Regular hoofcare, whether it is a trim or the application of a boot or shoe, is a vital aspect of your horse’s well being. It should be a matter of routine for you and your horse, rather than something to be dreaded. Unfortunately, many times farrier work can turn your mild mannered horse into a rearing, kicking, bolting bronc. Once the dust settles we often ask ourselves why?
I believe the answer lies in the psychological make up of our horses, as does the solution to reform the unruly horse. Of course, physical discomfort will also elicit a negative response, so be sure it truly is a behavioral problem by consulting with your veterarian if necessary. As well, if your horse’s behavior presents an immediate danger to you or himself, it would be prudent to employ the services of a professional trainer, preferably one specializing in natural training techniques. Many times however an owner can help their horse overcome behavioral problems by understanding the reasons for them. So many times owners and farriers attempt to correct their horse’s negative behavior via intimidation. Methods such as a chain over the nose, a twitch, a lip chain or even striking the horse with a rasp or hammer are employed with inconsistent and unpredictable results. A horse, being a prey animal may concede to this type of treatment, but will not learn to trust or respect the handler or farrier.
A horse is born with an instinctual flight or fight response to threatening situations. Working on a horse’s feet, even a normally docile one, can trigger this flight or fight response. Farrier work requires that a leg be restrained firmly and for a longer duration than simply picking the feet out, thus hindering a horse’s ability to flee. Keeping this in mind, our focus should be on helping our horse to overcome the flight or fight response rather than simply making our horse comply. Countering the flight or fight behavior requires gaining a horses trust and respect. Doing so will not only make a farrier visit uneventful, but can benefit every aspect of your interaction with your horse. You cannot bribe, beat, or dare I say love your horse into trusting and respecting you. It requires a systematic approach to interacting with your horse utilizing techniques based upon prey animal psychology. Gaining your horse’s trust will lay a foundation that your farrier can build upon. You should be able to touch your horse anywhere, including his lower leg and feet. A method used to accomplish this is called approach and retreat.
Approach and retreat is not only a technique to desensitize your horse to certain stimuli, but a way to earn your horse’s trust. While it can be employed for a myriad of reasons, the scope of these techniques is the handling of the feet. Begin at your horses shoulder at a 45 degree angle, this will lessen the chances of being struck if the horses strikes out or resists by throwing his leg forward. As well, be aware of a hind foot coming up to kick at you if you are too far behind the shoulder. Begin by rubbing your horse’s neck, assuming he tolerates it well, and begin working your way down his shoulder and leg with steady, rhythmic strokes. When he resists immediately retreat to the previously acceptable region and stroke. Once he settles, again work your way down and retreating when your horse resists. Continue this approach and retreat technique until he will stand quietly while you stroke his entire leg. Only when he is comfortable with this should you proceed to lift the foot. As you begin working with lifting his feet, the key is rewarding the slightest try immediately by retreating and stroking your horse before asking for more. Once you are able to lift the foot, begin holding it up longer and with more restraint, again rewarding the slightest try with an immediate release. While the technique is the same for the hind legs, much more caution should be taken to avoid being kicked. Stay close to your horse’s hip and use the arm closest the horse to work with leg. If he is a known kicker, use a “substitute” arm to desensitize him. A piece of PVC pipe works well, as it will not hurt the horse if struck. Again approach and retreat, and if it gets too much, stop and seek professional help. Take the time it takes and do not rush the process; it’s a good idea to take your watch off before starting this exercise, because a horse has no concept of time and watching the clock will only lead to frustration. It’s also not a good idea to wait until the day of the farrier visit to start doing this; prepare your horse before he needs to be prepared.
Trust must then be balanced with respect. Gaining your horse’s respect involves both teaching him to respect your personal space while being able to drive him with both direct and indirect pressure. Begin by imaging you are standing in a circle with a 2 ft radius. It is your responsibility to teach your horse he is not to come in your circle unless invited…under any circumstances. Whether it be standing, leading or holding him for the farrier. Do this by getting as big as possible, by which I mean, convey with your body language that you are twice your size. Shoulders high, chest out, eyes forward and if necessary the use of a physical aid such as waving your arms or spinning a lead rope. This is no time for vanity, look the fool if it keeps him out of your space. If indirect pressure is not enough, utilize direct pressure by tapping his snout until he yields. The key is stopping the pressure as soon as he yields. Once your personal space is established begin driving your horse’s hind quarters away from you. If you are standing at his left shoulder, keep your left hand up to prevent him pushing on you and focus your eyes on his left hip. Begin by using your body language to move the hip away, then escalate the pressure spinning the end of the lead rope towards the hip and eventually begin tapping the hip with the lead until you get the least bit of a try in the form of hindquarter movement, then immediately remove the pressure. Always begin again by starting with the least amount of pressure and gradually increasing the amount of pressure. You should finish the exercise by driving the hip and having your horse face up on you. Keep your horse balanced by performing the exercise on both sides. Remember, a respectful horse is much easier for the farrier to work with than a horse with no concept of boundaries.
Beyond the techniques themselves, some key philosophical points to consider include understanding that it is the release of pressure that teaches, end each session on a positive note and quit when you start feeling frustrated or angry. Remember, it’s not personal; it’s just your horse being a horse when he resists. Last, but certainly not least, no farrier or trimmer is so good that you have to tolerate him doing things to your horse that you are not comfortable with…rasps are tools not weapons (sorry I got on my soapbox).
These suggestions are just a sliver of the techniques that make up natural horsemanship and I would encourage everyone to explore them deeper via one on one instruction and/or clinics. They will not only improve their behavior for the farrier, but make them much more enjoyable to be around. Until next month God bless you and your equine partners.
