bumblelion
Well-Known Member
My exracer that I'v owned for about 6 months came in from the field a few months ago with bad cuts and grazes all up his legs. It turned out that he'd been kicked by another gelding. I think this was partly due to his lack of turnout during racing therefore not allowing him to get socialising skills!!
That night I couldn't get near his legs, to clean them up, let alone the hose pipe and as they had stopped bleeding I decided to get the vet out the next day to check them over. The vet couldn't get anywhere near them either but from a distance said they look ok and not infected, we'll play it by ear. Even just bending down to look at his legs he practically bolted across his stable and was even worse tied up!
They have all healed nicely now although ever since then it's hit and miss whether he'll let me pick his feet out. He's fine with me brushing his legs though and has been ever since his accident. I'v even attempted to put some Effol on his hooves but as soon as he sees me without a brush and with something else he backs off and puts his back end towards me. I'v perservered now for the past few months but things don't seem to be improving. I'v even tried someone holding him while I bend down but he just freaks.
I'm pretty sure he is genuinely scared although I do think he was a good racehorse so must be used to having lotions and potions applied and the hose pipe!! Is he taking the mick? How do I handle this? He's great with the farrier too, really relaxed but it just seems to be creams etc. At the moment if he backs off I show him it and that it's not going to jump out and bite him! and then try again and when he backs off I leave him as if it is a fear I don't want to make matters worse.
Sorry very long winded!! Thanks
That night I couldn't get near his legs, to clean them up, let alone the hose pipe and as they had stopped bleeding I decided to get the vet out the next day to check them over. The vet couldn't get anywhere near them either but from a distance said they look ok and not infected, we'll play it by ear. Even just bending down to look at his legs he practically bolted across his stable and was even worse tied up!
They have all healed nicely now although ever since then it's hit and miss whether he'll let me pick his feet out. He's fine with me brushing his legs though and has been ever since his accident. I'v even attempted to put some Effol on his hooves but as soon as he sees me without a brush and with something else he backs off and puts his back end towards me. I'v perservered now for the past few months but things don't seem to be improving. I'v even tried someone holding him while I bend down but he just freaks.
I'm pretty sure he is genuinely scared although I do think he was a good racehorse so must be used to having lotions and potions applied and the hose pipe!! Is he taking the mick? How do I handle this? He's great with the farrier too, really relaxed but it just seems to be creams etc. At the moment if he backs off I show him it and that it's not going to jump out and bite him! and then try again and when he backs off I leave him as if it is a fear I don't want to make matters worse.
Sorry very long winded!! Thanks
