Which technique can help when trying to catch a foal?

When attempting to catch a foal, blocking its progress with your arms is an effective technique because it helps to create a barrier that can guide the foal towards a more secure area or prevent it from fleeing. Foals, being naturally curious yet flighty creatures, may react better to gentle obstacles rather than feeling threatened or startled. This technique leverages the foal's instinct to avoid confined spaces, encouraging it to move in a direction that's easier for the handler to control.

Using a large net, while it may seem like a plausible option, can cause panic and fear in the foal, making it more difficult to catch. Sneaking up from behind can also be problematic, as foals are sensitive to movement and may react unpredictably if they sense a sudden approach. Calling a foal by name could have some effect if the foal is familiar with the sound; however, young animals may not respond in a way that helps with catching them. Therefore, the strategy of blocking progress proves to be the most effective and humane way to facilitate catching a foal.