Just figured out a trick for dealing with those stubborn front feet that won't stand still

I've been fighting with this one horse for months now, a big draft cross named Gus, and every time I go to work on his fronts he shifts his weight around like he's dancing. Tried everything - tying him short, having the owner hold a front leg up, even tried those calming sprays that never do anything. Then last week I ran into an old farrier at a clinic in Columbus and he told me to try putting a little pressure on the shoulder with my knee while I'm picking up the foot. Honestly thought it sounded dumb but I gave it a shot this morning and the horse just stood there like a rock. It's just about shifting their balance before you even reach down. Anyone else pick up little body language tricks like this that make a huge difference?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason20915d ago

Ask him if he meant putting pressure on the shoulder towards the horse's back or forward towards the chest? I've been playing with this idea myself after watching a clinic video but I'm not sure I'm doing it right. Been hoofing for about 8 years now and it's ALWAYS the little things that slip past you.

caseyc3015d ago

Nah I was the same way honestly. Thought it was some voodoo horse whisperer stuff that don't really work. But I tried it on a mare last week that always throws her weight into me when I go for her front. Pushed my knee into her shoulder just a bit, not hard or anything, and she just stopped. She stood there like a lawn ornament. Then I tried it on a gelding that pins his ears the second you touch his foot and same thing. It's wild how one little shift changes everything. Makes me feel dumb for all the years I spent wrestling with them instead.