At Foal NZ, we develop the early behavioural foundations that support calm, confident horses and future performance.
Working alongside the mare, foals begin to understand and respond to people through clear, low-stress learning. These early experiences influence how your horse will cope with handling, training, and new situations throughout their life.
We begin at around three weeks of age, once the mare–foal bond is established. At this stage, foals are naturally receptive and ready to learn.
All early sessions are carried out with the mare and foal together. The mare helps the foal feel settled, creating the conditions for learning. From this, the foal begins to develop its own ability to remain calm, responsive, and adaptable.
Sessions are short, around 20 minutes, and spaced over time to allow learning to settle. Most foals complete Stage One in between seven and nine sessions over two to three weeks.
All education takes place on farm, within the foal’s normal environment, where these early foundations are quietly and consistently developed.
The Foal NZ Two-Stage Education Programme
Stage One: 3–6 weeks of age
Foals begin learning alongside the mare, where they are introduced to people in a calm and supported way. They learn to accept approach and haltering, and begin early leading using a figure-of-eight rope.
Through this, foals learn to respond to light pressure, moving forward, stopping, and turning, while developing a steady, relaxed tempo on both sides. Feet handling is also introduced.
With the support of the mare, foals begin to regulate their responses, forming the early stages of self-regulation.
Stage Two: Prior to weaning
As foals grow in confidence, they begin to work more independently. Leading progresses to being carried out directly from the halter, with further development of balance, responsiveness, and understanding.
This stage includes continued preparation for both rugging and the farrier, supporting confidence and ease of handling.
As independence develops, the focus shifts from co-regulation with the mare to the foal’s own ability to remain calm and cope confidently.
Our Experience
We understand the responsibility that comes with shaping behaviours that influence a horse’s entire life. Our work focuses on creating a clear, positive foundation that supports both welfare and performance. Since 2003, Foal NZ has delivered more than 40,000 training sessions, reflecting a consistent and considered approach to early education. Foal NZ has contributed to the development of more than 200 Black Type horses and works with leading farms including Cambridge Stud and Windsor Park Stud, as well as internationally across Australia, Argentina, and England.
