Imprint Training of the Newborn Foal (A Western Horseman Book)

Expecting our first foal, I bought this book and read it cover to cover. What I came away with is a simple concept which is well-explained in this book. But as simple as the concept is - handle and introduce the new foal to as many life lessons as possible - this book also explains the reasoning and logic behind imprinting. I recommend it for anyone who is a beginner with a baby horse like I was. BTW, my filly is now one year old and nearly bomb proof. She's safe, affectionate and whinnies when she hears my voice.

My sister and I have always wanted to raise foals that weren't like your typical horses, our first foals we did lots to the minute they were born, like touching there ears, everything we could think of that we didn't want them to have issues with-and they're great, but still horses. I came across this book and LOVED IT! Our next years foals were thoroughly imprinted at birth and WOW! Even better than last years foals and we taught them so many more difficult things at birth-like working off their hind-quarters, it's amazing how effective it is. I have bought un-impinted foals in the past, and by a year you have a kicking biteing, don't touch me there yearling to spent hours patiently working with. No my babies come running to me and lick me to death and nothing fazes them! Painted Blessings Ranch~Bringing out the best in Black and White paint horses.

Clear, step by step. Covering all the basics of imprinting & then moving on to first day training techniques that make all the difference for the foal's interaction with human handlers in later days & years to come. Even I can do this, though I am fairly new to horses & especially foaling. Certainly this is a 2 person job, but with an assistant, it goes very smoothly if you have a halter-broke, calm mare. The difference in the foals is really amazing! I see this applying to other animals as well. This is a real gem of a book!

We bought this book for the 2000 foal season and were amazed at the difference it has made in our babies this year! I have been breeding Tennessee Walkers for 7 years and had heard that imprinting made a significant impact with new foals - so I deceided to try a little experiment. Our first foal, came unexpectedly in the night - three weeks early - we didn't find her until the next morning. The next mare, we watched every minute until the foal finally came. We used the methods in the book and have a truely happy and socialized stud colt. I had a customer come to view the two babies, and he commented on the difference in behavior of the two foals. The non-imprinted filly, acted scarey and distrusting - the imprinted foal walked right up to him. It is like day and night. The bonding that occurs with the foal is unbelievable. Anyone who breeds should buy this book and used the well explained method that I know have changed our babies for the better!

The Author Robert M. Miller, D.V.M. takes you through the process of imprinting a foal from birth, all the way through the first year. This beautifully illustrated book can educate the novice as well as reinforce the experienced professional on the step by step procedures to follow. From personal experience, my yet to be yearling is a perfect example of the theory behind the authors teachings.The final outcome is a well-mannered animal that trusts humans and is willing to be taught.To anyone that is expecting a foal, this book is a must!