Is Foal Adoption for You?

You've wanted a horse for a long time, but forays through the ads are confusing and discouraging. How do you translate "for experienced rider only"? Is that a nice way of saying, "This horse will try to kill you" or is the seller merely saying that this is a sensitive animal who will thrive best under the care of an experienced owner?

And then there is the cost. Thousands of dollars for a trained horse-and don't you get a little suspicious at the "bargains" out there? Will the seller tell you the truth about the horse, or (more likely) minimize its bad habits and health problems?

Of course, the initial cost of the horse is only the first chunk out of your wallet. But it is the most important chunk. Choosing the right horse will eventually save you thousands over the life of the horse. Research various breeds; look into natural horsemanship and natural hoof care. Think "hardy." And consider adopting a foal.

Is adopting a foal a reasonable way to acquire a horse? Certainly, it is far less expensive. It carries the added benefit of allowing you to know exactly what experiences your horse has had, and to guard its health at every stage along the way. However, there are some important requirements that have to be in place before you even think about adopting a foal.

∑ Have you owned a horse before? Experience with horses is vital if you are going to train a foal. If you don't have at least some understanding of adult horses, don't allow your inexperience and ignorance to ruin a foal.

∑ Do you have time to work with the baby? Daily handling and building trust and respect are critical. Sometimes you may not have time to do more than halter the little horse and walk him out to his corral-that's OK. Every experience you have with him is teaching him something, for good or for bad. (Make sure it is for good!)

∑ Are you patient by nature? Can you remain calm when the baby panics or disobeys you, and all hell is breaking loose around you? Can you patiently wait up to three years to ride your horse?

∑ Do you have a safe barn and a good fence? Forget about barbed wire or a couple of strands of electric fencing-your foal will probably run through it and get hurt. A fence made of strong boards is best. And a round pen in which to work the little fellow is ideal.

At the end of this article there are several websites you can investigate to learn more about the process and requirements of foal adoption. Starting with a foal is not as daunting as you might think.

...So now you've taken the big step. Your new foal is peering at you over the door of his stall. Now what? Most foals available for adoption are halter trained and have learned to pick up their feet when asked-the rudiments are in place. So the rest of the baby's education is up to you.

The first, foremost, primary concept to keep in your mind as you handle your foal is this: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That cute little thing with its big eyes and whiskers and long legs is going to weigh around 1000 pounds someday. Never, ever let that little kid do anything that you wouldn't want a full-grown horse doing, no matter how cute you think it is.

A foal that doesn't respect you is one of the most dangerous animals on earth. A playful kick can knock you senseless; a strike of the front hoof can put your kneecap over the fence. The little horse-child has to learn from the beginning that he cannot crowd you, cannot nip you, cannot strike or kick at you-which he will do playfully, without ill will, because that is how baby horses play. He is not allowed to turn his butt to you, but must face you when you are with him. Don't play with him; don't let him chase you around the yard-you are always the head honcho here. RESPECT.

He also has to learn TRUST. You are firm with him, but you are kind and loving, understanding his youth and the fear that drives him. Take the baby for walks, into all situations that he will face as an adult. Walk him in traffic, walk him past trash cans rolling in the wind, walk him by dogs and loud lawn mowers and motorcycles. Let little kids sit on him. At this stage of his life you cannot ride him, but you can take him for long walks and let him experience as many scary situations as possible. You will be the rock that he clings to, the one thing in his life that is calm and trustworthy. He will learn to look to you for his courage.

At this vulnerable time in his life, you are building the foundation of his education. He will go through stages that drive you nuts-that's OK, just firmly, calmly and lovingly keep reminding him of those two vital principles: RESPECT and TRUST. Every interaction with your young horse is training him.

You'll make mistakes. You'll have days when you wonder. what was I thinking? Sometimes you'll get mad-when you do, control yourself, wait till your horse does the next right thing, and end the lesson on a good note. Tomorrow will be better.

And that day will come, three or four years down the road, when you find yourself riding a calm, trusting young horse who wants to please you, wants to learn from you, and the bond of love and respect between the two of you is all the reward you need.

Learn about foals available for adoption:

http://www.pmufani.org

http://www.lastchancecorral.org

http://www.springhillrescue.com

http://www.adoptafoal.org

http://www.eponarescue.org