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shoeing the young horse

by vickie lawson

Oct 31, 2009

i have a rising 4 year old hanoverian. she was bred by me so i know all her history. she's been wonderful in all aspects but has just decided she doesn't want to be shod, or even let the farrier remove her shoes (shod in front only). i twitch her and she;ll stand no problem. and the farrier is very experienced and says that we'll just continue on, as we're doing nothing to upset her. ideas? thanks
  • up

    Linda Mascola

    Hi Vickie,

    Your key is in you stating "we're doing nothing to upset her". Since your horse has already been shod, it isn't about her not having experience with shoes. Does she know the touch of this farrier? Even though the farrier is experienced, is your horse experienced with the farrier? I would also be looking for some inflammation or alternately some burrs in her legs and feet.

    There are 2 things which come mind. I don't know for sure but it sounds to me as though this is a new farrier to her. If it is then she will need to trust the farrier before she will let her touch her hooves. (Be sure to check on whether she has any foot problems first, clean out her hooves and make sure she doesn't have any sores, or infection). If her feet, or alternately her legs are hurting her this is your answer. Right now there are burrs like crazy outdoors in the paddocks, check to make sure there are no burrs, or inflammation as well. There is a weed right now which hasn't died off yet as we haven't had a good frost to kill it. It is causing inflammation in the horses legs.

    Provided all is well with her feet, and legs, try the same exercise you did when she was a yearling. Do this first when you are alone with her (leave out the farrier and others so she is relaxed). I would also allow her to free run for 10 minutes or so, and then lunge her for about 15 minutes prior to doing the lifting of her foot. This in itself will relax her.

    Lift one foot only at a time, and stroke her leg while telling her she is good. A treat helps too. She should do this willingly for you. Do this over a period of a week, alternating each foot just as you would do for cleaning her hooves.

    Secondly, have the farrier work with her on this; a good, gentle farrier should be able to win over most any horse's trust, and respect. The farrier will have to groom, and trim her hooves, and remove the shoes now anyway. You know she cannot be shod for the winter as it is just too dangerous for her in turnout, and in your outdoor riding or hacks.

    Her feet should be groomed regularly, not only by the farrier, but by you as well after riding her. Good luck, and I hope this helps.
    1

    Nov 1, 2009