What should / could I have done differently?

[Lois Lame]

I've not read much of the thread as in a rush, but a farrier I had didn't seem to take into account where each leg was before picking one up.

Also, sometimes I thought wouldn't it be better when doing a hind leg to have the horse a little up hill (if on a bit of a slope) than downhill? It seemed to me that the horse would find that easier.

And sometimes the leg was just held too long.

I never said anything as I didn't want to be telling anyone their job, but I used to wonder about these things.

 

[Lois Lame]

Admittedly, it's up to me to position the horse but sometimes, BANG, he was suddenly there and diving in.

 

[Sossigpoker]

What you need to to is work on holding your horses legs up for long periods every day .
Get a light hammer and bang his feet when you are holding them up .
If the horse does not improve speak to your vet about trying some Bute before shoeing if that helps you know he has an issue you need to look into .

I will be doing this after my cob was a right nob with the farrier today. ?‍♀?

 

[yhanni]

My boy can be tricky for the farrier and just slams his foot down .. however, with a Likit under his nose, the farrier could actually saw his leg off!! I know he should stand without bribery but he is never going to be sold and there doesn't seem to be much point struggling with him when some sugar keeps him sweet!

 

[Lipglosspukka]

I think you are over thinking it. The horse stood like a poppet for 45 minutes. Then had a silly moment at the end, at which point he was probably a little bored.

Your farrier shouldn't be pissy about that. Horses will be horses. Doesn't sound to me like a naughty horse or like a handling problem.

 

[Red-1]

My last mare was difficult to shoe when I first got her, they declared it when I bought. The first trip, I said if he could just get the old shoes off, then that would be sufficient. I could then have time to play around with them. I would pick, run a rasp and hoof dress twice a day.

At first it was awful! I hated it, had a bad back, sore arms, she would practically trot on the spot at grooming time anyway and hooves were the worst. But, by persistence and releasing when there was the slightest improvement or effort to stand still, she got a lot better.

I did a while where I used a rope to hold the back legs up, it was easier on my back. I mean, I held the rope, not tied it LOL. Just to hold the foot for a portion, then release.

I had to practice the foot being up, the foot being back, the foot being held to the side, the foot rising on my thigh in front.

I *thought* I had done really well, and I had, until the smoke happened when she was next shod. Nope, went back hoe and in the next 5 weeks I had to equip myself with one of those sage things that you set fire to and waft. Quite safe in the grooming parlour. She had smoke under her belly, round the back, in front of her chest...

The farrier also only lightly burned the shoes on until she was good.

By then end she was steadfast. But I did feel it was my job to teach her to stand rather than the farrier's.

If you can't crack it at home, including to tap with a hammer, rasp round etc, I would ask the vet to try some Bute. If the horse is better with Bute, I would have a work-up done.

 

[Wizpop]

Three things come to mind from experience: Firstly, as has already been said, I’d be getting him checked for any pain related issues, secondly could be balance issues and I’d be talking to farrier about this to see what he thinks as well as asking him for suggestions as to what you can do to help. Good luck - hope you get it all sorted.