It starts with foal behaviour

At Foal NZ we are always looking for that edge. We establish the foundation of your foal’s behaviour early, to give them the very best opportunity to improve their welfare and performance, both on and off the track.

We are dedicated to improving the performance of race horses through foal education, behavioural research and farm consultancy. The team at Foal NZ provides foals the very best start to their racing careers by using gentle scientifically-proven training methods to establish their foundation behaviour. We lead the world in thoroughbred foal behaviour and position these animals to be champions both on and off the track.

We were formally Equus Education (NZ) Ltd for nineteen years.

FOAL EDUCATION

The road to racing success begins with establishing foundation behaviour early in the foal’s life. We take them through a set training programme where they learn the fundamentals of human interaction.
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RESEARCH

We are continuously conducting research to increase our understanding of horse and foal behaviour to improve welfare and performance.

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CONSULTANCY

We work alongside farms to enhance the welfare and performance of their horses by training their staff using methods developed by our foal research.

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The Foal NZ team is globally recognised for its innovative work in foal behaviour, specialising in educating young thoroughbred foals. Training methods used are based on research conducted in the field, Monty Roberts’ principles, and Equitation Science theory.

Foal NZ founders Leigh Wills and Sally King have presented at public demonstrations, conferences and thoroughbred studs globally. Since 2000 the pair has completed over 24,000 foal training sessions without injury. Foal NZ graduates have become million-dollar yearlings in the sales ring and multiple winners of Group One races.

TESTIMONIALS:

“All our foals handled by Foal NZ have benefited considerably from the work Leigh and her team do with them. The programme gives the foals confidence around people and lays a solid foundation for their whole lives, through weaning, sales preparation, stable life, and race day competition and beyond. This is confirmed by feedback we have received from breakers, trainers, and jockeys about our horses. Importantly, it’s a process that reduces the likelihood of injuries to horses and people, thus maximising the opportunity each horse receives to fulfil its racing potential.”

Michael Martin and Susan Archer,
Breeders

“Foal NZ (previously Equus Education NZ Ltd) has worked with my mares to give their foals the best start in our very competitive thoroughbred industry. They work with each foal’s unique learning style and personality while using research and practice to continuously reflect on and improve their approach. They keep me up to date with my foal’s progress as they work to ensure each one achieves their potential in an ethical and sustainable way. I highly recommend Foal NZ for your long-term success.

Mari Ann Moss, PhD
Director, Dreamcatcher Enterprise Ltd

“[The team at Foal NZ] are real professionals that provide a top-class level of horsemanship. We are extremely happy with the results. You can easily distinguish the foals that they have dealt with – the are more confident and relaxed. I highly recommend [Foal NZ] to all breeders.”

Rodney Schick, Windsor Park Stud NZ

“We here at Cambridge Stud absolutely endorse the foal education programme with Leigh Wills and team. We highly recommend for anyone breeding a foal this year to take advantage of this great service.”

Sir Patrick Hogan, Cambridge Stud NZ