Even more frightening, small hooves can become tangled in loose halters as they scratch itchy faces not accustomed to wearing halters. Halters must be adjusted weekly on rapidly growing foals, otherwise, the halter can become too tight and lead to pressure sores. However, the nylon halter is very strong, and the foal can injure himself quite badly in the ensuing struggle. Many large breeding farms begin placing halters on foals soon after birth. The sooner the foal becomes accustomed to wearing a halter, the earlier training to lead and to stand can begin.
Foals easily can learn to lead when they are young.
The mere act of following their mother helps a great deal in teaching foals to go forward with someone beside them. After the foal is accustomed to a halter, leading lessons can begin. In the beginning, a lead rope is not necessary. Simply hold the foal with one arm around the chest and the other around his rump and walk with the foal just behind the mother as she is being led. The foal quickly will become used to the idea of having someone being with him while walking forward and having someone guiding his movements.