How Foals Learn from Their Mothers: A Behaviour Study

Recent research from Denmark reveals that foals learn important behaviours and emotional responses from their mothers, especially about fear and confidence. This early learning, observed from a very young age, profoundly shapes a foal's temperament and their reactions to potentially frightening situations.

The study observed twenty-two mares and their foals. Researchers found that when mares remained calm during scary situations, this composure transferred to their foals. This process, known as habituation, means horses become accustomed to stimuli they might otherwise find frightening, helping prevent adverse reactions as they mature.

1. How Foals Observe Their Mothers Coping with Fear

Before foaling, mares were habituated to five potentially frightening stimuli, including an open umbrella, plastic bag rubbing, and walking over tarpaulin. When mares experienced these situations calmly, their foals observed without distress at their mothers' sides. Meanwhile, a control group of mares and foals were not exposed to these stimuli for comparison.

Foals that saw their mothers remain unreactive to these challenges also showed less fear themselves. For example, foals exposed to the plastic bag did not flinch when touched with one, while foals in the control group moved away. This demonstrated that observation is a critical learning tool even in very young horses.

2. Long-Term Memory of Positive Experiences

After three months at pasture without further testing, the foals were re-assessed at five months old. Those who had observed calm maternal responses remained less fearful of the stimuli, indicating that the habituation effect endures over time. This confirms that early exposure, combined with maternal calmness, helps foals develop lasting confidence.

Foals also showed natural curiosity, often exploring and interacting with objects during sessions, which further supports independent learning. Allowing foals this freedom encourages exploration and mental growth alongside observational learning.

3. Recommendations for Breeders and Owners

Given these findings, researchers recommend that breeders habituate pregnant mares to various stimuli. When foals witness their mothers' calm responses during their early life, it fosters confidence and decreases fearfulness in the foals. This method is a simple yet effective way to enhance foal temperament and reduce the risk of accidents caused by startled reactions, as horses are naturally flight animals.

4. Why Early Mare Behaviour Shapes Foal Temperament

Horses have a strong flight response, meaning fear can lead to sudden and dangerous behaviour. When mares manage frightening situations without panic, they provide a powerful example for their foals to emulate. Early life imprinting during the foal’s sensitive phase means this maternal modelling has deep and lasting effects.

This aligns with broader equine ethology research showing that foals also learn social ranks and behaviours from their mothers, underpinning the importance of positive mare-foal interactions in early weeks and months. Strong maternal bonds contribute to healthier, more balanced horses with better social and coping skills for life.

Conclusion

This valuable research emphasises the lasting impact a mare’s behaviour has on her foal’s confidence and fear responses. By preparing mares calmly for common fear-inducing stimuli, breeders and owners can nurture foals that grow into more confident, less reactive horses. Such practices promote responsible horse breeding and care, ensuring safer outcomes for horses and humans alike.

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