Our foals born each year are not "just another foal adding to the population"; they are individuals treated with gentle respect from birth and given age appropriate training in their young life to build a strong foundation mentally and physically for their journey in whatever direction their life may take them.​

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The first stage of a successful foal is a well cared for and gently handled mare.  The mare shares so much with the foal while in utero; physically, nutritionally and mentally.  Characteristic both good and bad are imparted on the resulting foal.  We have raised foals that have the same attitude, mannerisms and habits (good and bad) that are a direct mirror of their dam!  Even with an orphan foal - they can mirror a mother the foal never knew

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The First Steps:

Our foals are touched and handled from birth.  We respect the bonding experience of the mare and foal while offering a gentle presence to begin building on.  

Our young foals are touched softly all over to begin the acceptance of various things life may throw at them.  Ears, face, feet, legs, underbelly, undertail and all parts in between.  This allows the foal to accept many things from their rectal temp. taken to not panicking when a rope gets under their tail someday.  

​We avoid a halter as much as possible the first 4 months.  Emergencies happen and there are times we have no choice but NEVER do we pull on a foals head to teach to lead or drag behind the mare.  The very tender myodural bridge can be damaged without knowing thus leading to a lifetime of issues.  Our foals can wear a halter within a month but never unattended or as a device to pull on....​

 

Growing curiosity and confidence in months two thru five before weaning at 6 months is an exploration of everything under the watchful eye of the mare and the herd.  The handling at liberty continues, halters maybe put on within the confines of the corral to gain acceptance and trust in the haltering process.  Tarps, ropes, jugs, etc. are within the corral (never unattended) for them to explore and hear the sights and sounds as they build curiosity and confidence.  We never force an item at them - scaring them does not desensitize them for the future.  Natural, calm exploration builds the confidence to explore new things.  We spend time walking in and with the herd to encourage natural curiosity and learn herd behavior while interacting with the foals in an environment that feels safe to them.  

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Independence - weaning is started slowly at around the 6 month mark.  Our foals are not traumatized by a sudden departure from everyting they know and trust.  The mares are removed only by a fence and the foals are kept in groups or with another young pony to support them for hours at a time with the mares returning for nursing and support at night.  The time of the separation grows over two weeks until complete seperation with no return for nursing is offered.