Older boy uncomfortable having feet done

[olop]

My older lad is on full livery and yesterday was the first day in some years I was around for the farrier. He was clearly quite uncomfortable whilst having it done. Neither the yard or the farrier has mentioned it to me before but I felt quite sorry for him. Does anyone have any suggestions?

The farrier made sure he flipped the tripod lower to help but for some reason he wanted to lift his legs higher? He couldn’t keep his balance on the three legs and I could see in his face he wasn’t very happy. I’ve not had an older horse before and I didn’t know if this was the norm for older horses having there feet done?

He had his hocks injected last month and he’s been acting like a 3 year old which is nice to see but I didn’t realise he was struggling so much with the farrier. He isn’t nasty but I’m just concerned he might refuse to pick his legs up if it’s that uncomfortable.

Vet is coming over Monday to do some bloods so will mention it to her when she comes.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Might be worth giving him bute before a farrier appointment.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

When we had one of our oldies struggling, vet suggested 2 x bute the day before and again on farrier day. It just helped with the creaking joints.
I also made sure that where possible he wasn't stood in a stable for ages before too.

 

[olop]

Thank you both appreciate it. He lives out 24/7 so he’s not normally stood around for ages.

 

[Annagain]

We used to give Monty 2 butes a day for two days before and two days after. Made a big difference to him. Our farrier was also really good at letting him have his legs where he wanted (within reason!) and giving him lots of breaks.
If he'd cope without back shoes, trimming is a lot easier, quicker and less traumatic than shoes. Monty couldn't but Archie was barefoot behind for the last couple of years of his ridden life (and is now totally barefoot)

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Might be worth giving him bute before a farrier appointment.

That's what I have done in the past.

 

[AandK]

I'd say it's not necessarily normal for an older horse, my 26yo has no issues lifting his legs for the farrier. My late mare did, with her fronts as she had arthritic knees. I would give some bute the day before, on the day and the day after if he is struggling.

 

[Tiddlypom]

My chiro vet says that it is actually often SI pain that cause issues with farrier visits. That could be left over from the discomfort from before his hock injections.

She is brilliant at treating that, the difference in the horse after she has adjusted the SI is nothing short of miraculous.

She may recommend that the SI joint is medicated if the problem keeps recurring, though.

Good luck.

 

[olop]

We used to give Monty 2 butes a day for two days before and two days after. Made a big difference to him. Our farrier was also really good at letting him have his legs where he wanted (within reason!) and giving him lots of breaks.
If he'd cope without back shoes, trimming is a lot easier, quicker and less traumatic than shoes. Monty couldn't but Archie was barefoot behind for the last couple of years of his ridden life (and is now totally barefoot)

Thank you - he’s still in work and is shod in front only but it’s literally a balance problem on three legs he’s struggling with bless him!

 

[olop]

My chiro vet says that it is actually often SI pain that cause issues with farrier visits. That could be left over from the discomfort from before his hock injections.

She is brilliant at treating that, the difference in the horse after she has adjusted the SI is nothing short of miraculous.

She may recommend that the SI joint is medicated if the problem keeps recurring, though.

Good luck.

Thank you - he’s currently seeing a chiro once a month as where he’d been compensating with the hocks his back/pelvis is really sore. I suspect he may need the SI’s doing at some point.

 

[meleeka]

Mine always have a bute before the farrier and they aren’t that arthritic yet, but struggle to balance for too long. One of mine also has to be placed so she can lean on the wall if she needs to.

 

[Jambarissa]

Bute the night before and morning of visit for my boy. He is more stiff than anything and it def makes him more comfortable.

 

[Snow Falcon]

We bute up one of the ponies at the yard too. Far easier and more comfortable for all.

 

[Carrottom]

I find with my oldie that doing a few gentle leg stretches before the farrier comes helps. Maybe your chiro could give you a few tips.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Yes definitely give bute the day before and on the day I also find the tripod even on the lowest setting is often too high for some.

One of mine will often refuse to keep his foot on it he spooks at it some days depending on what mood his in so won't have it near him.

My farrier then bends down and puts the foot on his own leg and he will happily have that.

 

[Birker2020]

Might be worth giving him bute before a farrier appointment.

Yes I