I totally agree - some people are very extreme with imprinting. I've actually heard of cases of rejection because as soon as the baby is out the people take over with it for an hour or so and don't allow the mare and foal bonding time. I have also heard that imprinting can be done just as easily and effectively up to 8 hours after foaling. I haven't got to see a birth yet so I see them at an hour to 4 hours old. By that time they have nursed, bonded with the mother and then I rub them down, desensitize them, put a halter on for a few minutes, rub them with ropes, ect.

Even if I get to see a birth I'm not going to imprint them within the first hour - I do think it stresses the mare. But all the foals I've imprinted, their mothers have been totally comfortable with it - even going off a few feet to graze and leaving me babysitting the foal - lol!

I agree foals can be trained easy if they aren't imprinted, but I've just seen too many foals that some people own that aren't handled at all till 6 months, then I work with them and they are in danger of hurting themselves or me, because they will panic at times.