Arizahn
Well-Known Member
What causes a horse to be afraid of having its legs hosed down?
Our yard routine involves rinsing lower legs and hooves when bringing in. Ali is afraid of having water sprayed on her. She is fine with the hose when it's off or not pointed at her but hates it even being sprayed near her hooves/legs
We have got her used to having the front legs done but once we get to the hind legs she gets this look of fear - she lays her ears back and walks backwards away from the hose. If that doesn't work, she starts dancing on the spot - lifting whatever hoof we are trying to rinse.
I sometimes wonder if it's the cold water. I suppose it's probably just one of those bad habits that takes time and consistency to resolve.
Any tips welcome. Should we keep at it or dry muddy legs with towel and brush out instead? Yes, I have resorted to this once or twice - took longer but she was calm. Only thing is YO says that she should be used to having her legs hosed by her age (10).
Oh the joy of mucky fields, eh?
Our yard routine involves rinsing lower legs and hooves when bringing in. Ali is afraid of having water sprayed on her. She is fine with the hose when it's off or not pointed at her but hates it even being sprayed near her hooves/legs
We have got her used to having the front legs done but once we get to the hind legs she gets this look of fear - she lays her ears back and walks backwards away from the hose. If that doesn't work, she starts dancing on the spot - lifting whatever hoof we are trying to rinse.
I sometimes wonder if it's the cold water. I suppose it's probably just one of those bad habits that takes time and consistency to resolve.
Any tips welcome. Should we keep at it or dry muddy legs with towel and brush out instead? Yes, I have resorted to this once or twice - took longer but she was calm. Only thing is YO says that she should be used to having her legs hosed by her age (10).
Oh the joy of mucky fields, eh?