First Forward Steps

Once the foal has learnt how to yield to hand and rope pressure, they can begin to learn how to take their first forward steps. Ideally you should use a rope around the neck and a rope around their hindquarter to encourage them forward. If they panic at any stage, you need to go back to teaching them how to yield to your hand pressure until they are able to move left, right, forward and back with relaxation and thoughtfulness. Make sure that you are not using too much pressure and forcing them to stay with you. Any pressure you use should be an encouragement; if they are feeling overwhelmed and trapped just quietly let them go and go back to an easier question.