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Laurelhighland English Rose,
2000 filly out of Guards Blossom by Waverhead Prince II, giving Mary Jean
a "smooch" when just a few hours old.
The Benefits of Imprinting Foals
What is "imprinting"? It is similar to the concept of imprinting ducklings. You know, if the duckling sees you before its mom at birth it will follow you around like its mother?! Imprinting a foal refers to a training technique developed by Dr. Robert Miller, DVM. At the time of birth, foals can absorb more information than at any other time. Lessons learned at this early age can last a lifetime. Imprint training is efficient (a lesson learned in a few minutes at birth can save HOURS of aggravation later if trying to teach an older foal the same thing). It also gentles the foals and prepares them for schooling later. Early exposures to certain stimuli allow the foals to accept the same stimuli later without fear, especially regarding humans. This technique includes doing things like rubbing the foal all over, pulling at ears, putting on halter, pressure on poll, taking a temperature, picking up feet, making loud noises, etc. It works best if you work with the foal as soon as possible after it is born (even before it stands) and then repeat the exercises within the first 24 hours during the "receptive" period, before the "fight or flight" instinct overpowers the foal's natural curiosity and receptiveness. Immediately after birth, the foal at this stage will usually "let you do anything" with little fuss -- of course there is no guarantee Mom won't fuss but she is often too weary at this stage to fret too much! If you don't use the technique within this time frame, it doesn't work. We are believers in this method of training and make every effort to imprint all our foals in a similar fashion. And when you start with a foal like a Friesian or a Fell that has a genetic predisposition to having a nice temperament, the combination is outstanding. With barn camera surveillance, I was able to work with the Fell pony filly shown above within minutes of birth. (She was literally just hitting the ground when I saw she was born on our barn cameras.) I'm sure this early handling established a bond or trust of humans more easily, allowing her to be willing to leave her mom and come over to me anytime I called, even when she was just days old. I'm sure her new owners will attest to the fact that she still seems to prefer to be in a human's "lap" as opposed to anywhere else!
After imprinting, our foals continue to receive daily, individualized care, while also enjoying the additional social benefits of life in a herd. This combination of herd life and positive human interaction provides the foal with the best social skills possible, helping to prepare them for anything life has to offer!
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For more information about our breeding stock, see Our Fell Ponies or Our Friesians.
Most of our foals sell before birth if not before conception!
Contact us for pricing information.
Lune Valley Dolly X Waverhead Robbie
Due 2005 -- NOT for sale!
Inglegarth Radiant X Waverhead Model IV
Due April 2004
(in utero!)
Sleddale Wild Rose V X Waverhead Model IV
Due April 2004
(in utero!)
Lownthwaite Evelyn X Waverhead Robbie
Due 2004 -- NOT for sale!
Ludworth Lady Grey X Waverhead Robbie
Due April, 2004
(before conception!)
Lownthwaite Orange Blossom X Waverhead Robbie
Due July, 2004
Guaranteed colt only contract still available
(already sold -- prior to conception -- if filly!!)**
Brackenbank Poppy X Tunstall Jake
Due July 2004
(in utero!)
Sleddale Lib V X Towerview Spirit of Joy
Due July 2004
Castle Hill Dainty X Castle Hill Jerry
Due May 2004
Lownthwaite Monarch X Peepings Raven
Due May 2004
Guards Blossom X Waverhead Robbie
Due 2005
Guaranteed colt only contract still available
(already sold -- prior to conception -- if filly!!)**
**(We will attempt to determine gender by Ultrasound at 60 days gestation but this is not 100% reliable and gender cannot be guaranteed before birth.)
All Fell pony foals are imprinted, extensively handled and halter-trained, DNA-tested, registered with the Fell Pony Society (UK), and, if fillies, microchipped.
Sophia Pandora v.L., Star X Romeo
Out of Reserve Champion Friesian ~ Dressage at Devon 1999 X Reserve Champion 2000 FHS/FPZV Keuring!
Due March 2004
(in utero!)
Friesian foals are imprinted, extensively handled and halter-trained, DNA-tested, and registered.
