Monty Roberts Equus Online University | Monty's Horse Training Post: Absolutely petrified of the farrier

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Horse Behavior and Training

Absolutely petrified of the farrier

By:

kjohnson492

Date:

2011-Mar-29 at 05:30AM

My 20 month old dales is petrified of the farrier, one sniff of him and she starts to shake, fidget, swirl her back end round, dance, sweat endlessly, then rears up and tries to break free and run, she is fine for me to pick her feet out, a little unstable balance wise but fine, help x

stephanieg 2011-Mar-29 at 06:55AM

I had this problem with my mare - the same farrier did my gelding with no problems he stood untethered and had his feet done - but my 6 yr old mare went ballistic and attempted to kick and bite the farrier. In my case I believe that it was a personality thing - the farrier admitted to me that he hated mares and would never own one, and I believe that he was agressive towards her in his stance and attitude - she has other problems too, and is skittish of men in particular. I can pick her feet up although one back foot is hit and miss still - and I have found a woman in my area who does horses feet - I'm hoping this makes a difference ... some horses are more sensitive than others to mood and individuals - Monty's Fix-Up Farrier DVD is very good too. Hope this helps ...

Rudi - Pratteln, Switzerland 2011-Mar-29 at 07:35PM

The horse needs desensitization, "shaping" of the behaviour in small steps. It is up to you make a plan how you want to get there. Start with the protection the farrier carries - pick up a foot and take a hammer - touch the foot with the hammer - give a little stroke -... and so on. Everything works better after a Join-Up. You need much patience and phantasy, but I am sure you will see a gradual success. If you continue like you did until now this will sensitize the horse making the problem worse.

kjohnson492 2011-Mar-30 at 06:30AM

Thank u for your comments, i will definately try them, i have only had her one month and farrier only been once so i will desensitize her from now on .

Vio Berlin 2011-Mar-30 at 07:12PM

Hi, I agree to desensertize her and built trust. You must prepare her for the ferrier as it is not the ferrier's job to train your horse. Said that I made the experience that a good relation between myself and the ferrier, an agreement how to handle such a horse is essential too. The first ferrier who did my young colt's feet was payed extra money for more time rubbing him, lifting feet and letting go more often than usual. He accepted my suggestion to proceed like this but his assistent didn't. He was so upset about me asking to take more time with this unexperienced, young horse that he turned his back towards me and stopped talking to me. This was an unacceptable behavior towards me so I called another ferrier, one I know from earlier times. I asked him for a "blind date" just ot meet "Hero" for the first time, let him sniff him and lift feet, rasp a little... he came and was paid for that appointment and we will work our way up together - me training Hero and him giving time and understanding. Trust is important between everyone involved I think - horses and humans.VioBerlin

Sasafras 2011-Mar-31 at 07:35PM

When I picked up my black gelding he was terrified of everything including having his feet lifted.I had one of the original Dually halters,brown,with one training ring,and used it to great effect.The horse who once was rearing up if his feet were asked for was now standing on a loose line to be shod.I have to add that I did used to send him away,big time,if he got stroppy with the blacksmith,and he would come back on his own shaking his head by way of accepting his mistake.Then I got the Dually!