>perceived as negative. ... "It seems that the best way to establish >confidence with a new foal is through good contact with its mother," said
What I don't get is that, of my group of 5 foals from last year (now up to 7 as a friend has brought 2 newly-weaned ones to grow up), the most shy, reactive foal comes from my mare Isafold who is a big softy, very friendly and easy to catch, who had lots of handling when the foal was born and in the first few weeks. The friendliest one (belongs to a friend) comes from a mare who is one of those "chase into a stall" jobs. Even after a couple of years here, with daily visits/bread/whatever from me, she's still not at all reliable to catch, and when she's got a new baby foal, forget it. Wish we could get the *horses* to read these studies! ; ) Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
