You probably turn your horses out in a paddock or field every day – and then catch them up again when it’s time for supper – without really giving it much thought. But there is a right way and many wrong ways to accomplish this simple task, especially if you’re dealing with young or fractious horses.

First, having proper equipment is important. Halters should be lightweight leather and easy to get off; leads should have snaps that come undone easily. “We will leave leather halters on young stock in the field, especially if they don’t like to be caught up,” explains Arnoldt. Gloves are a good idea for handlers, as well.

Training to release at the gate in a civil manner – like all ground handling tasks covered in this series -should start when foals are young. “Lead the little guys from the start with the mare, so they get into the routine,” says Arnoldt. “Lead the foal into the field first, followed by the mare; let the foal go, then let the mare go. The foal doesn’t want to leave his mom, so he will stick around until you release her.”

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