Basically what happens is this:
I can do whatever I want with him in terms of feet. He's very headstrong and lacking respect, which we are working on, but he does behave when being handled. (Mostly)
I can hammer away on his hooves from any angle, with force, or just tapping. He'll hold still, no problem.
He will hand you his foot if you ask.
All that changes the moment the farrier walks into the yard.
He is antsy, dancing around, sweating and getting himself into a total state of agitation -- even if the farrier isn't touching him, or anywhere near him.
Our farrier has never hurt him, or been mean to him. (The guy has the patience of a saint.) However, Oz didn't like having shoes put on, and on the third session (we did front feet one day, back feet a week later, the first time) when he tried to get the shoes off...Oz reared. Hard. Over and over. He ran into the wall and almost squished me. He reared toward the farrier, and me. Nothing we did calmed him down -- and all he'd done was pick up his front foot. No hammer or anything involved at this point.
Join up has been accomplished with both owner and Farrier. Any help would be gratefully received!
Hi Carrie, maybe something happened with a former farrier. First of all you are lucky to have a farrier who wants to work with you and your horse. When my horse was very afraid of the farrier he did not want to spend his time on her and did not want to be in danger (which I could fully understand). As with your horse, I could do whatever I wanted with my horse but the moment the farrier came in, she hided in the corner of her stall, trembling all over and sweating. Tying her up was impossible because at each minor unexpected movement she started tearing or rearing. I found a patient farrier who was ready to do some join up with my horse before starting his job. First time only join up, nothing else. Second time (3 days later) starting with join up and just spending some time together. After about 30 minutes he started with the front feet only. I stayed with the horse holding the rope which was passed through a ring attached to the wall so that I would have a better hold on her if she panicked. The farrier is a very calm guy with slow gestures, we have choosen a calm environment without other people around, a bit of music on the background. I did some relaxation before, was watching my respiration and hart beat to be sure not to pass any stress onto my horse. I was confident it would work! An indeed, the farrier did his work without incidents. The horse was tense and sweating but she was controlling her fear. At the end of the session she was allowed to get out in the paddock and do some grazing. It was the farrier who took her out for her "reward". The next day he came back, for the hindfeet. Joinup very short. She was less stressed and no sweating anymore. Farrier put her again in the paddock afterwards. After 2 months, new shoes and the farrier did the 4 feet at once. The horse wasn't completely at ease but was in control. Every now and then she touched the farrier with her nose. He just rubbed her a bit and continued. Great farrier! Next times, no joinup anymore and he can put the shoes on in as much time as with other horses. I am always present when the farrier works with her but I do not interfere and most important: NO STRESS. If I would have to change farrier, I think that I would try a joinup first because the trust she has is still fragile.
I am very curious what Monty will advise you to do!
chin up.
Hi GK :)
Your problem does sound very similar; I can only think that something bad must have happened with a previous farrier. It's so hard not to get just a little bit nervous but I can see why it wouldn't be a good thing. I suppose I've just got to learn to trust my horse! Will give what you suggested and see how it goes. Thanks so much!
Carrie x