Mirror KB Articles about horses & horse care by Kim and Kari Baker

Mirror KB Equine Article Series

Kim and Kari Baker

If you have ever "cradled" a very young foal, you may be familiar with the "flopping foal" reaction. This occurs when enough pressure is applied to the body of the foal and the foal begins to sink towards the ground. At this point, the handler often releases some of the pressure and the foal suddenly is aroused and springs back up, effectively giving the handler the slip more often than not. This is an inborn reaction of survival; and you the predator have just lost your prey.

This little bit of knowledge can come in handy. For prolonged procedures, the foal can be easily and safely laid down on its side, preferably in a softly bedded stall. To place the foal in lateral recumbency, you must first restrain the foal by placing an arm around the chest and the other hand behind the rump holding the tail. Then by moving the arm up from the chest, your forearm will be placed against the foal’s head. Gently bend the foal’s head back toward the rump while pressure is applied to the rear quarters with the other hand. The foal should sag backwards toward you at this point. Without releasing pressure, allow the foal to sink to the ground. The foal should be kept in this position until it is completely recumbent and relaxed. You should then grasp the rear legs with one hand and the front legs with the other, placing the forearm on the foal’s neck. At this point, the foal may start to struggle, but you should calmly continue to restrain the foal in this position until the foal again relaxes before beginning any other procedures. A second handler may be required, and be sure to protect the foal’s down eye from the ground by placing a soft pad under the head.

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