On Feb 5, 2008 10:08 PM, blessiowner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > --- In [email protected], "Janice McDonald" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > > > > This report just came out today of a study in France. It shows > > imprinting of foals can have a negative effect or no effect, > whereas a > > foal witnessing gentle handling of the dam in the foals presence > has a > > very positive effect.
I am a person that uses "try the moderate approach first" in all things. I have always felt that the Miller imprinting methods were just a little too much for a brand new baby - it just never felt right to me but I also feel that the "chase them away until they're 4" route is going too much in the other direction. I have done as Skye mentioned - when the foals show an interest in meeting me, I take the opportunity and go with it as far as they are happy with it, then we stop and pick it up another day. Then, observing the foal/yearling/young horse carefully, we progress in slow steps until at 4, I have a horse that can be mounted and lightly ridden with no trauma to horse and rider - a non-event that stresses neither side. I haven't started a lot of foals but have started a few of different breeds and the method doesn't vary from breed to breed. I do think they are right about having an easily handled mom equates to an easily handled baby - which would tell me that if I had a skittish pregnant mare, I would be spending lots and lots of time with her before the baby is born. -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley
