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6/28/06: What is the most important thing I should know about dealing with a two-month-old foal?

6/21/06: I ride Saddleseat and would like to use action chains, what do you think of them?

6/14/06: Why does my horse refuse a jump?

6/7/06: What do you do with a horse that repeatedly runs to the gate?

Answers to June 2006 Ask Monty Questions

Question: What is the most important thing I should know about dealing with a two-month-old foal?

Answer: The most important knowledge that I can impart to you is to be safe and work with your foal without violence and force. At two months of age, probably the most important factor is leading the foal alongside his mother. I suggest the use of the Foal Handler from Chapter 8 in From My Hands To Yours. I further suggest that it is important to groom and pick up feet, encouraging your foal to stand and to be comfortable with you during these procedures.

While foal imprinting is usually executed in the first hour of life, imprinting first impressions can be done right through the growing up years. I would suggest studying foal imprinting from my chapter on the subject in From My Hands To Yours. In addition I would recommend books from Dr. Robert Miller regarding the care and training of foals. One of the pitfalls that I would suggest you take great care to avoid is feeding from the hand. It is also extremely important to understand the principles behind allowing a horse to remain a horse. Over-humanizing the young horse is something many people are guilty of. See the chapter in From My Hands To Yours on biting.

Question: I ride Saddleseat and would like to use action chains, what do you think of them?

Answer: In recent years laws have been put in place to protect horses from painful pieces of equipment. These laws, under the Horse Protection Act of 1970 have allowed for the use of action chains with strict guidelines. The Regulations prescribe the enforcement of the Act and the current "Operating Plan" is an agreement between the USDA and the Tennessee Walking Horse industry regarding specific implementation of the Regulations. These devices are limited to no more than 6 ounces. This is the same weight as a Rolex Oyster day/date watch. I personally see no reason to classify this as a painful device. It is more like wearing a bracelet.

In disciplines where it is desirable to achieve foot elevation the use of an action chain will encourage the horse to raise the foot higher than when there is no bracelet involved. If it is done in a humane fashion, I can certainly accept it.

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Question: Why does my horse refuse a jump?

Answer: Undoubtedly, you have overmatched him at some point. Get the fences lower, let him have fun, and rebuild his confidence. Elevate the fences gradually, attempting to discover his maximum capability.

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Question: What do you do with a horse that repeatedly runs to the gate?

You need to cause your horse to be uncomfortable when he is near the gate and quite comfortable when he is away from it. You can accomplish this by several means however, I recommend cantering in small circles while near the gate. Migrate away from the gate, stop your horse, rub him and let him relax. Begin to ride again, and if he barges toward the gate, just smile and repeat the process. You should be aware of the fact that horses that tend to run to the gate are horses that have been ridden out of the gate. If a horse exhibits any tendency to display this undesirable behavior, it is a good idea to refrain from riding out of the gate from that point onward. You should do your work in the training session, dismount in the center of the enclosure, and lead the horse out.

- Monty

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