...and on the eighth day God created BABY HORSES in perfect image to romp, graze, gallop, play and make manure wherever they darn well please, in divine grace.

What reasonable expectations can you have of your foal? After all, you can’t treat a baby the way you would a full grown horse–or can you? Yes, you can, if you start simply and slowly.

Everyone wants their foal to be polite and to have good manners. But he’s so young, small and cute perhaps training will damage his relationship with his mother or it will be too hard on him. Not so.

To help train a youngster without creating negative effects, you need to keep it short and simple; have a stress free way to teach him some basic lessons that will make him an enjoyable adult to work and play with.

There is always a debate among Horsemen as to when to start with de-sensitizing the baby. Some prefer to be right with the dam the whole time, "imprinting" the foal immediately upon arrival in the world. Others believe the dam should bond with the baby for awhile before stepping into the stall to begin imprinting. This choice is entirely up to the owner. The smaller the foal, the easier he is to handle. Starting with just a little petting lets him know he is safe and not trapped.

If you reach out to scratch his rump, withdraw your hand before he scampers off, thus making it your decision to stop. The same goes for when you begin to pick up his feet; put the foot down before the foal tries to pull away or put it down himself.

Good imprinting starts with a baby halter, lead rope, newspapers, clippers and spray bottle, along with lots of patience and hugs. Making sure the dam is ok with all these things first helps the baby learn the world is safe and people are good.

Trust and respect come with control. Developing control over the animal helps him to be happy, and this happens without pain or force. Horses do not resent being told what to do as long as they don’t become frightened or hurt in the process.

Teaching some basic manners and cues early on in life are essential to having a polite and pleasant animal later on.

Waiting because the animal is "too young" to wear a halter to start working on manners results in an undisciplined little piglet that nobody wants to be around.

Is he going to rear and strike? Of course; he is going to try to treat you like another horse. That’s his way of telling you to get back in line.

Would his mama put up with this? No, of course not. Nor should you.

The first time he tries this, you don’t have to scare him to death. Using just enough noise or body language will startle him and be a big contrast to all the love, hugs and soothing words he’s been receiving, and he’ll realize he has made a big mistake.

If he strikes at you again, make him think he is going to die. The aim is to scare him, not injure him.

Remember the 3 second rule. You have 3 seconds to make him think he’s just made the biggest mistake of his life. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to discipline is unacceptable–you must let it go. Keeping up the discipline longer than 3 seconds can be considered abuse.