New born colts

What is a good way to tame a colt that is about two weeks old? I wasn't there when he was born so he didn't get that initial human contact. I have read up a little and done a little but I am wondering what you all do. Thank-you.

I mean in taming them, and haltering and leading and all. Right now he still won't let me walk up to him.

Try to get him in a small area where he can't run too far away from you. Just let him get used to you for a bit and spend time with his mother - grooming or whatever and he'll start to get curious and probably come closer. You can also get him to come to you by crouching down to his level, averting your eyes and opening and closing your mouth like you are chewing. This is called "snapping" and it is what all baby foals do to older horses to show they are not a threat, and ask to not be hurt. When you do this to the foal, they realize you are not a threat and will come up and let you handle them. It has worked perfect with all the foals I've worked with and I have been able to pet and get ropes on them within a few minutes.

Make sure you work slow around him and I'm sure he'll start to trust you. Babies are very impressionable and it is best to gain their trust and do the basic training when they are very young.

Hope this helps!

That has been a bunch of help. Thank-you.


Do you do this with the mother in the small pen?

I always keep the mother with the foal so it doesn't get scared with her being away. And it often gives the foal more reassurance anyways if the mother acts friendly and is enjoying people attention. If the mother is getting in the way you could tie her though, so you could work with the foal more easily.