Horse foal is frightened and panics! Can I help?

mistakes with foals are common and often no ones fault, here an unexpectedly born foal panic's reared and pulled away many times and it has become learnt behaviour. Steve tries to form a new habit of giving to the pressure instead of running from it, there will be some major breakdowns here and the foal is convinced it must use its fight or flight response to survive! Our shop : steve-young-ho...
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[@jenniferlehman326]

That's why I start working with the foals I foal out every December and January, at about 2 or 3 weeks of age. Mom's are right there, 5 minutes here and there to start off with. They learn so quickly!! If you think about it, in the wild, they know to get on their feet and be able to run with their mothers at about 2 hours old or less. That tells me, they can learn anything right off the bat!! Mom teaches them horse things, as does the herd, and I teach them the ppl things they need to have as a great foundation to start with to move forward in whatever job they are going to have in their future. Great learning video, Steve!! Thank you for sharing this one!! Please put up here when Nita has her foal, as some of us can't afford to become Patreons to your channel. Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦 Who has to get back to work now!!! LOL 🤣

[@SteveYoung-kd3qk]

Yes you will see her foal ! Of course

[@jenniferlehman326]

@@SteveYoung-kd3qk Thank you!!!! Love your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@Bonnie-td3wq]

Hey Jennifer this is Bonnie from MBS livestream :) I love Steve Young too! He is amazing 🙂

[@jenniferlehman326]

@Bonnie-td3wq Yes, I use a lot of his techniques when I train, and I train English not Western. But to get the lightness in the front end at the beginning and to get them to use their body correctly, I follow Steve and Tim Anderson for that. Tim Anderson is a World Reining, Cow Horse, and Trail Horse multi champion. He believes in taping all the horses he has in for training for the owners, and when he does live videos, he just might be on one of the horses in for training or one of his finished horses that he's getting ready for a show. He welcomes questions as well during those lives. You should check him out!! Jenn 💖

[@gailmadsenclayton1769]

She also would use the same technique with his mom. ❤❤

[@lesleystadames2810]

What a difference you made to that little foal. Superb. Loving Nita’s foaling ‘garage’.

[@rosemarygraham2815]

He’s a beautiful smart little guy and you did amazing work with him!!!❤❤❤🙌🏻

[@julest5767]

I love that mare with those big feathered feet! Her disposition is so calm!

[@claudias4601]

In my 70s - working with horses, training and restraining most of my adult life. I prefer to keep human hands off the foals until they come to you with their natural curiosity and don't reach out to touch them until they are totally comfortable - sometimes that's a couple of months. I've never had a trouble getting a halter on or teaching leading to a foal allowed to set the agenda early. It's really weird, but I found it makes later training much much easier. I do carry a flag when leading the mom around to keep the foal at a respectful distance because they start playing - running and kicking around you and I do want them to learn boundaries just like other horses in a herd would do.

[@kathrynbraun2073]

As Steve stated, this is his way, and acknowledged there are varying opinions He is the one training at the moment as he is the one solicited for his expertise

[@claudias4601]

@@kathrynbraun2073 Yep.

[@corinneguest]

Lovely mare and foal. He's a cheeky monkey but soon learned. Perfect way to teach near Mom. Looking forward to 2 x foals at your ranch, loads of fun videos coming up. Best of luck Nita and Molly. Let's have a colt and a filly.

[@lydiagould3090]

This is one of your best videos (for me) . It shows just how quickly they can learn, desirable, or undesirable behaviour. Ive seen a few vids of dreadful foal handling, and some of good handling. I think this is the most challenging part for most of us horse owners, certainly where I've needed some help.

[@pam-x2k]

thank you, it will be exciting to see nita and her baby. how wonderful that you will share that with us.

[@yvonneescobosa1438]

Steve, wish I would have had the opportunity to see your work 20 years ago. Love your method and calmness. God bless you and you family for all you do to help our beautiful horses.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

It was so great when the owner took over with Scout and Mom was showing the foal too. Like this Scout. So cute. Enjoy! Wow, what a difference Steve - in such a short time, even with the nipping. Happy Trails.

[@valerieboyce7644]

Sweet foal. He will be a crackin' good guy. I laughed when you showed Nita in her maternity room, she was giving you side eye as if to say, "Are you kidding me???😂 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵

[@MQofScots]

What a beautiful video! The foal was adorable and the backdrop scenery was gorgeous. Wonderful to observe your teaching ✨🥰✨

[@margaretfleming3554]

Scout was the name of the horse Tonto used to ride in the Lone Ranger series that finished in 1957. I grew up watching the programme and loved it. Whenever I hear the ‘William Tell’ overture I always want to yell out ‘hi yo Silver away!’ Great name choice for this handsome foal and great job Steve.

[@marilyn5208]

Me too. Thought if I ever had a pinto gelding, that's what I would name it. Always end up with mares.😊

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I used to ride Scout in the mid-sixties at the stable near my home. What a big, calm, steady, peaceful horse-perfect for us young learners. ❤

[@donnac.1609]

I, too, started foals early....no spoiling just good straight forward handling.... short intervals.

[@hethacopland3713]

Can't start with handling too early. They are little sponges as foals 😊

[@vega4281]

Kind of like teaching a puppy to walk with a collar and leash, but on a bigger scale, LOL!!! Beautiful work.

[@flychomperfly]

YES!! Start early when they are learning and most impressionable. It doesn't have to be intense...it just makes it more intuitive.

[@tammyspurdle9208]

Thank you Steve, Tanya and son James, great video ❤

[@sarahcooper3378]

What a great mare she is. And Scout has so much potential. Yes, it's a young brain absorbing everything like sponge, so in my opinion you can't start the handling etc too early. Just like a bolshy dog, or even a bolshy child, they need to know how to behave. Great session Steve. Good luck ladies with Ruby and Scout.

[@mtngrammy6953]

Beautiful still shot of you and the foal at the end! What an interesting video. Love it! Thanks.

[@lsdev4229]

This was wonderful to watch. THANK YOU Steve and Tanya! 🇨🇦🥰Sharon.

[@bettyforsythe2513]

Love watching your kind training!💜😊💜

[@bettykremer1865]

Thanks, so much, Steve!

[@arlysdavis3694]

Can’t wait to see the new foals. Thank you for the video. You are so kind , a blessing to the horse.

[@judytinker3392]

I didn’t realize Ruby when I first looked at her. She was part draft. She’s got feather on her feet. She’s cute so is that little foal.

[@michelewhite4262]

I can't wait to see the baby...love you all😊

[@kidstuff44555]

Horses will naturally pull back against pressure from a halter, the first time they feel it, which is why its important to teach a foal to face you and come forward in response to a cue (like a lead rope swinging gently) BEFORE you apply pressure from a halter. I always taught my foals face up and step forward before they ever had a halter on. This can be taught in a safe area with Mum right there (either a large stable or pen is fine). Just use pressure (gently swinging rope) and release when they turn to face you. This makes halter and lead training much easier. They already know a forward cue, so you never need to get into struggle or risk them flipping over

[@RC-yj3ft]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Interesting information, beautiful views of the property, The videoing really turned out good. And it was a joy to see how the little foal responded and improved and it looked pretty amazing that the mom was so chilled out while you were working on her littlewhipper snapper.

[@Davidm1056]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for excellent audio. 😊 It will continue to get even better.

[@deloresrogers685]

Great training! Foals are never to young to start their training ❤❤❤❤❤

[@BoninBrighton]

The Friesian Horses YT site shows Yvonne always ties up foals within a few days.

[@TASIAawful1]

Yes she does I love her channel

[@marilynmccormack5905]

Fantastic. So much information for Scouts 'foster parents'. Such a difference from syart to finish. Thank you 😊❤

[@constancesmith8881]

OMG! Nita is huge! Was stud big? How exciting, can’t wait 🎉😊

[@louisegogel7973]

Nice! They’ll learn a lot while being with these two. I would also add, have her leave a lot more space, as you do, between her and the horse and foal when using the lead line. It seems when you hold too close, as you’ve pointed out many times, Steve, that you can inadvertently cause yourself to be pushed around and lose the leadership. I am rooting for Nita to have you near when she foals! What a lovely set up for her! I’m sure someone is going to be home the whole time Nita is due, no matter if you have to be off at the ranch day.

[@dianajones8598]

Hi 👋 from the Florida panhandle, USA This was a great video; I learned . Even from the time they're born the brain works. It's very exciting about me to get ready to have her baby, can't wait to see what she has.! Thanks Steve. Hi Tanya.!🎉❤😊

[@vavilldu-hp8kt]

amazing video as always!

[@clarekelso7841]

So great to see Nita. My word she’s close. Great idea , the foaling garage. Nita did look a bit sad but she’ll get used to it. I’m so sorry to hear you’re having rotten weather. Keep smiling.

[@mariarivera4197]

Such beautiful horses

[@daalcm]

Lovely foal and lesson!🙏

[@nutzky]

Gorgeous horses.

[@susantaylor9923]

Thank you.

[@lydiagould3090]

Also ,that bit with you riding Nita ,and placing the feet. With the turn on haunches I was trying to see what you did differently when asking the following foot to step in front and behind the leading leg.

[@marthaagnew6022]

Very helpful and appreciate this video!

[@grammeatticus2172]

Cannot wait for Nita’s foal. So excited!

[@melodybryant57]

Brilliant 😊 ❤

[@fion1flatout]

Looks like a big foal to me! His lower legs look longer than his Mum's

[@lillybuckwalter3902]

Tonto on the Lone Ranger rode a pinto pony named Scout. “On Scout” he say ❤

[@flychomperfly]

At the end, when you were leading the horses to the field... the breakdown was a fear-based reaction to the equipment on the left. I deal with fear a little different than just wrong behavior, so i don't know if you would too.

[@katemaree5826]

Guys I absolutely loved this video. We have a foal due in Oct and these tips are immeasurable to me. So thank you 🙏 You have taught me so much in the years I have been watching you. I use so many of your methods daily. It would be my dream to meet you both one day .......wanna come to Australia??? 🥳🥳

[@ninalindencrona2407]

Vi had trotter horses earlier and we always started touching and lifting hooves on day one and slowly making it more and more demanding. When they were about six months old vi startet with harness training so when they were 9 months we could start with a cart we never had a problem

[@KimDuPree-y9e]

When my mare foaled, I had a halter on the foal the next day with no issue. I was able to lead her away from her mother at a week. And everything else was easy. Maybe I was lucky but that filly was so easy.

[@JohnAmidon-c6r]

The title calls a foal a foal, not a "baby horse." 🤢 Thank you very much! 👍🏻

[@WindsofChange]

I'd give ANYTHING to have that foal...unfortunately I live across the pond and don't have the facilities to keep a horse on my acre....but just saying.....That is my dream foal.

[@moirafree1133]

Amazing!!!

[@maryannsilva4160]

Is it your usual way to ride with your feet so far into the stirrup?

[@whinnie216]

If I sign up for membership at the end off the month and happen to miss Nita’s birth 😢 do members get to see older videos and will I be able to see and view all the videos of her from having baby and forward from then?! Thanks so much, I am really hoping I can afford the membership soon!!!

[@flychomperfly]

Question... with your own foals, will you be letting them explore the items that will be used on them? I find that animals have less fear and stress if they get to interact as babies with the items, and i was wondering if you will do that?

[@rosablume4346]

so easy, just get the timing right... yea, there it is, and only an expert makes it look so easy

[@AnnieAndGypsy]

My mare does this

[@jeanettejohansson5181]

🥰❤️🥰

[@lindencamelback2305]

Unfortunately we are being bombarded with Democratic commercials.

[@jencoss814]

I’m a bit stunned at these people with that foal. If they had handled that foal from pretty much after birth they wouldn’t be having any of these issues. I’m sorry but it’s ridiculous

[@ameliaf784]

They didn’t plan on having a foal and had no experience. They are trying. They got help when they needed it. Can’t expect them to do more. Lovely people and horses.

[@lynnesmith5718]

They got help and recognise the issues. Kind owners who just need guidance. Not ridiculous, sensible and caring

[@TASIAawful1]

They didn’t know the new horse they bought was pregnant probably have had no experience with baby horses

[@blackhellebore89]

We never handled our foals (standardbred racing) until after they were weaned - and that was usually done by the mare getting sick of them. It worked out just fine teaching them then. It isn't about the age of the horse, it's a persons experience. And when you are suddenly landed with a foal that you never expected and have never dealt with a foal how can you be so mean? They have realised they needed help and have gotten it before things get out of hand.

[@dawndebenham8266]

I don't agree with you because foal too young my god

[@wendyknight9574]

Never too young to be gently and firmly handled with consistency.

[@edwardr7520]

Steve, can you explaine why so many of the owners grip the lead rope 6 in. from the horse's head?

[@macintyredunning]

This is absolutely the most beautiful example of horse training at its finest! Steve…. you are truly a master at your craft! X ❤

[@sue5242]

What a beautiful little guy! The slow motion bits are really helpful…thanks

[@TinaLouise528]

Your client is so happy she can’t stop smiling. Lovely❤🎉

[@lesliereynolds4492]

Beautiful little foal.

[@julest5767]

Beautiful mare and foal!! SO important to get foals off to the right start for them to have a good life

[@rofiahcrawford3250]

Look at the change! It's so obvious. And beautiful. He's, within a short time settled and more respectful of space. They'll be able to give him a good start now. Wonderful!

[@rosefiacco3372]

Good luck Nita! Can’t wait!

[@dd3wc]

Brilliant … good showing those who are novice at this sort of thing, just how early you can start working with them. Like you said, it’s better to teach a good habit than to break a bad habit. What a little sweetheart … and I’m surprised he’s that big for only being two months of age. It’s quite possible he could exceed his mother’s height by a bit! Thanks for sharing! Happy Trails! 🙏🙌✝️❤️🇨🇦

[@kathrynbraun2073]

I just love it-you helping these beautiful creatures

[@Stardust_Truth_Seeker]

This little foal is absolutely beautiful. ❤

[@joyceking6461]

You did a wonderful job in creating the foaling stable. How beautiful to soon welcome a little Nita into your family. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of this delicate special occasion.

[@cynthiabechtel61]

This was so good and nice to watch Steve. Thank you both for sharing. What a pretty location too with the beautiful sky and surroundings!

[@jobee9113]

Amazing work as always Steve.

[@alicepotter8165]

This makes me smile.

[@dagmargross6064]

That was a brilliant demo on how to train a foal to be led! So helpful! And what a beautiful little animal! Such beautiful distribution of the markings!

[@karenmiller129]

I bred QH's for 5 yrs. Always handled the babies from day 1. Little sponges. Their mums knew and trusted me so was easy. Always had fantastic weaklings and buyers were always very happy with how quiet and easy they were to handle. I LOVE babies. I cannot wait to see Nitas bub 😍💖. Thanks Steve. Great vid!

[@joannedevine2473]

You need a tut and cluck keychain! you know the kind you can record? Add - don’t look at his feet, stop eyeballing him!

[@ginagriffin6928]

Very head strong foal 🐴 if not cured could have lot of problems in young adult hood, biting, walking in to owner then he learns to push owner about that's not good,but this little foal it great little learner ,ruby is helping foal alot,but he's willing to learn & that's good what you want, Steve your garage looks good for foaling stable,Nita looks quite at home,❤❤❤ X 🥰😊

[@NotKev2017]

Nita still has some weeks left to go. Her stomach hasn't gotten to the stage where it's in the shape of a Vee yet.

[@TASIAawful1]

Omg these horses and just so beautiful 😍 and the little cheeky foal if they cannot keep him someone will swoop him up fast absolutely gorgeous. Steve you are amazing!!!

[@2KJustice]

Wonderful, wonderful! God Bless.

[@cadencefarm7005]

Precious! Lucky you! Thanks for sharing! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@karenpiotte90]

Little mini me beautiful!

[@kimmctamney6177]

That was awesome!

[@joannsmith9]

You are AMAZING! Yes AMAZING!

[@margies5906]

❤so so special 🐎i had such a soft spot in my heart for baby anything... Into watch how boundaries and limitations and things were set for the baby with love and understanding how they function and consistency. I hope and pray Nita has her baby the day before or the day after your ranch day 🙏🏼 it just seems like too much of a good thing on one day😋 thank you for posting this and I certainly will share because I know my other horsie friends will be delighted in it❤

[@FoxyMaroon]

Great video!!! I was mesmerized watching. Learned so much. Thank you ❤️

[@cherylniemi553]

Steve, you are such a fount of information (as well as a beautiful example of kindness and caring for even the most difficult of your pupils). I was raised in a family where my maternal grandmother was a trainer of race horses in the '30's to '50's, in Vancouver, and my uncle was a jockey in the US. It has been many, many years since I have lived on property, so am only able to remember being around equines vicariously through your videos. Sometimes I even smell the horses, as I watch. However, I have to ask, in this video you speak of mud nuts; so what are they? I will continue to watch in case you cannot answer via a reply. Good wishes to you both from B.C.🇨🇦

[@SteveYoung-kd3qk]

Hi Cheryl I meant to say mud mats 😊 they interlock on the ground so you can walk on mud ❤ Steve

[@cherylniemi553]

Wow, thank-you so much for answering, Steve. It is almost as if I met you!😊

[@equitime77]

To me he looked at first like he had a very active mind and was being cheeky even with his mum. He was grabbing her flymask. She could have reprimanded him but he was doing it for something to do. The work that was done with him was great even just to get his mind occupied and give him something to think about. He looked so much better at the end, tired yes, but he was thinking finally.

[@gsbealer]

Lovely weather! Great foaling conversion Steve! You’ll be thrilled to know that I have complete confidence in your ability to fix Scout’s problems!!! Teach that foal polite behavior around humans. Great start! He sure picked up your position in that herd quickly. 🎶 Happy Trails to you ‘til we meet again!🎶

[@alisontabernor6332]

Well done Steve! What an absolutely gorgeous mare and foal! 😊

[@IOSALive]

Steve Young Horsemanship, This made me laugh so much! Thanks for sharing!

[@lauralauren6432]

Old horsemen KNEW. they lead the foal next to mom. Then in front , but mom can go past scary things first to lead the way. I have done so always. You dont PULL in their heads. You push them from BEHIND

[@jbohio7821]

That cloud behind Steve looks like a seahorse!

[@LMVG2233]

Your videos are always educational and provide demonstrations of successful training techniques. Your handling of horses is exemplary; so much is accomplished by your firm touch, mellow voice, and the rational training concepts you employ. In your world, screaming, anger, and physical abuse of horses do not exist! Bravo!

[@vernonfrance2974]

I love your videos. THANKS FOR PROVIDING SUBTITLES!

[@Vigula]

That young lady was instinctively moving back when the foal approached her at around 43:12, instead of holding her ground and getting the foal to move back - so Steve got her to tut the foal back - something she will learn with time I suppose. Early days for both foal and owner.