1 1/2 week old!

Question
My horse recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  My mother and I have been training him it seems like 24/7.  We board him at a private farm and I am the only boarder. ( the owners horse passed away).  He has been very good so far.  He comes up to us and nuzzles us, he likes to be scratched, we can call him over to us and put his halter on with ease.  He leads almost perfectly until three days ago.  I couldnt call him over or catch him.  He didnt want me putting on his halter which ended up in a struggle and he would not be lead around pulling against us. His eyes have been wide eyed and he does not liked to be touched.  I recently had a conversation with the owner asking if any one has been handling him.  (We have had a lot of visitors and I am not sure who most of them are.)  I also found the grain bucket lid off three days in a row.  I know I shut it and it is not one that an animal can get into.  I asked the property owner if she knew who was handling my horses or trying to feed them.  She said she had been up with her friends and she hit the colt as hard as she could with her fist when he bit at her.  She also said she noticed that he didnt want her putting on the halter so she ran around after him and tackled him.  She has been working with horses since she was young ( a lot longer than I have) and seems to think she and her friend are aloud to work with it.  Should I confront her about this?  Also how should I make sure my colt comes when he is called and isnt afraid of us anymore?

Answer
Hi,

Imprinting a newborn foal is something that takes dedication and quiet perseverance.  It sounds to me like you and your mother are on the right track with constant, gentle handling.  Even imprinted foals will eventually need to be reminded firmly of the rules (no biting, kicking, etc), but I personally wouldn't do that until the foal is at least 1 month old.  Foals nip....that's a fact.  Until your foal is a little older and you can reprimand him, you should avoid excessive handling of his muzzle which could tempt him to bite.
Since your colt has been frightened now, you will have to go back to square one and start again, with constant and persistent handling.  Do not 'tackle' him to catch him...rather use the mare as a blocker and 'corral' him calmly so you can get close enough to scratch his neck or rump....they like that!  When you can see he is relaxing, step back and encourage him to come to you for more scratches.  In no time, he'll be back to his trusting self.

If you actually pay board at this barn, and you do not want anyone handling your horses - just say so.  Being unfront but non-confrontational is usually the best way.  Do not lay blame, but rather explain how important it is to your family that you are the only ones to handle and experience the joy bringing up a new foal in your own way.

This is a very formative time for your colt.  He will either establish trust for people or dis-trust from handling.

I hope this helps, and good luck!