"It seems that the best way to establish > confidence with a new foal is through good contact with its mother," said > Henry. "Clearly, to create a positive horse-human relationship, it's not a > good idea to intervene in the natural progression of postnatal events, nor > in the early mare/foal relationship." > > > To me that is HUGE, and probably even more relevant to the "traditional > Icelandic ways."
agree! it doesnt say to leave the mare totally untouched either... I have a horse that was too "imprinted" but he has many many good qualities altho he is somewhat goofy and dangerous. but the reason he was handled so much is his mother was dying and they kept her alive for him to nurse as long as possible. They had to go out and help her up and down so she could go relieve herself and drink etc. So now I wonder if he got the good qualities from watching them tend her and the crazy parts from too much handling from birth on... Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
