What Does Your Foal’s Temperament Mean?

A French study found that the results of nine simple tests on horses as young as 8 months can help owners and breeders guide them toward appropriate careers. From the editors of Practical Horseman magazine.

The French study’s tests measure fear of unfamiliar objects and situations, sensitivity to touch, acceptance of being alone and reactions to passive human presence and active human contact. Each one is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to perform them on a young horse.

A simple series of temperament tests can help you determine the best future career for your young horse. | Photo courtesy of Practical Horseman
  1. Open an umbrella in front of the foal and watch to see how far it retreats.
  2. Put a sheet on the ground between the foal and its food. See if the foal goes around or over the sheet to get to its food.
  3. Touch the foal around the withers with a fine thread and see how much the muscles quiver.
  4. Touch the foal’s hindquarters and see whether its stomach muscles contract.
  5. Put two foals together. When they’re used to each other, remove one for 80 seconds. See how the other reacts to being left alone for this brief time.
  6. Stand still at the door of the foal’s stall for 90 seconds and watch to see how it reacts to your presence.
  7. Move toward the foal to put on a halter. See how long it takes to touch the foal’s shoulder, touch the head and put the halter on. Does the foal stand still or move away? Does it attempt to sniff or bite?
  8. Put the foal in an unfamiliar stall and watch the reaction. Is it calm, curious or agitated?
  9. Assess the foal’s general activity levels throughout the tests.

To find out what the results of these tests mean, read “Health Update” in the July 2007 issue of Practical Horseman magazine.

SHARE THIS STORY
CATEGORIES
TAGS
RELATED ARTICLES
Supplements_NMXPoll
Poll: Most Important Factor When Choosing Supplements for Your Horse
CBD Horses PH
Could Your Horse Benefit From CBD?
WB_HexiShield_Opener
Protect Your Horse From Flies, Heat and Harmful UV Rays This Summer
GEES Img 1
Groundbreaking Equine Endocrine Research 
Practical Horseman
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.