I can't tell "the truth" but having been asked to write an article on how we train, I can tell you "a truth" or two, gleaned from trainers we have used and fellow breeder..."Our Baby Boot Camp".

To start with, we do try to get into the stall while the mare is down. She may still be a little confused about what has just transpired especially is she was a maiden having her first offspring. Possessiveness is usually not a problem yet. The cord is iodined after it breaks of its own accord. Do not stand the foal before this happens--it is still being transfused from the placental blood supply, but handle and rub the baby if it doesn't seem to upset the dam too much. She may lie down again to pass the placenta.

When Babycakes can stand, help it seek the nipple for the colostrum. some mares may need to be tied. An engorged nipple may be very flat and hard for baby to find--a twisting to the nipple, expressing a few drops of milk, will make it more prominent. A fleets anema on a foal that is not passing stool will get things moving and stimulate appetite.

First meal accomplished, we lift the foal as we will do several times the first few days, holding it close to the chest till it stops struggling and "gives in". By the end of about three days, Babycakes will have gained enough weight that you will not be able to do this without rupturing a disc. Mom will have made the connection that this is her "precious" and maybe you are not welcome. We quit.

All attention now goes to mother. When we go into the stall, we do not "seek" the foal. we come with brush in hand, an extra flake of hay, perhaps a bowl of mash as we have for several days before the blessed event. Babycakes is now the "outsider" unless of course, Babycakes wants to "join up" with mom and me, in which case, Babycakes can too be brushed, scratched a little. At some point, Baby will not want to be "left out" of the social circle--always leave Baby "wanting more"--you stop BEFORE Babycakes moves away. You are setting a precedence--you are the leader--you make the rules. This will go on for three weeks.

At three weeks, we start kidnapping baby. Babycakes is now a little chunk. With a thick, soft lead rope that is twisted in such a way to leave the point of twist under Baby's neck, we start in the stall. Facing Babycakes, we step to the side. If Baby follows, the lead rope remains loose--if Babycakes turns, Baby catches the non-give of the lead. We step to the other side. Again, Baby must follow or punish itself. Baby learns fast--not only beautiful but a quizkid. We are not pulling a weak neck around with a halter, we are teaching Baby to make a wise choice.

Babycakes understands and so it's out to work in the front of the stall. Mom's upset but doesn't go nuts because she can see Baby. This is the start of one on one. Baby will zip ahead, punish itself and turn around. And we teach the command "walk". As we walk, stop (whoa) turn and walk, all within Mom's watchful view. This, too, will go on for several days before the halter is added with a second lead rope. When Babycakes understands, the neck rope is removed.

Our walks now go farther,. Mom can't see Babycakes at times although we still pass the stall working in the barn isle. We pet Baby, lifting feet, running hands over all parts of the body, concentrating on what irritates till Baby gives in. A dog grooming brush is used to finish Baby's lesson with special attention to those butt scratches--leave them happy!!

Baby Boot Camp to be continued.....