Hi all,
I have a question on how to address my farrier. I am totally non-violent towards my horse, however when the farrier came yesterday, he yelled/growled quite a few times at him, and tapped him (not hard) on the leg with one of his tools. My horse actually wasnt doing anything wrong really - he just lent on the farrier a bit/ shifted his weight. Most people probably wouldnt see anything wrong with this type of behaviour from a farrier when handling/shoeing a horse, but I am not really happy with it because I don't want the farrier or anyone destroying the trust I am trying to build with my horse.
What should I say to the farrier next time he comes out? I am not sure what is the best way to address the fact that I don't want any raising of his voice or 'tapping my horse' as punishment.
Thanks!
← back
To Make the World a Better Place for Horses
What to say to the farrier?
Rewards
Subscribe to Equus Online University and become a part of Monty's worldwide mission to leave the world a better place for horses and for people too.
Students automatically gain access to special rewards, such as exclusive discounts at the Monty Roberts Online Shop. Visit Monty Roberts Online Shop.
Hi Ruthy,
.
Confrontation is nearly always easier said than done, but you should say to the Farrier exactly what you have said here - explain your views, the horse's history and your reasoning to him.
.
Not sure how easy farriers are to find down your way, but if he is not receptive, you may need to see if you can find another one - once again, sometimes easier said than done.
.
See you later,
.
Gen
Ruthy
I had a vet hit one of our horses when he was floating her teeth. The mare had done nothing but the vet cut his finger on her teeth and became angry with her. That was the last time he ever got near any of my horses. I would not be willing to trust anyone that gets angry with an animal and hits them. There are many farriers in this world so tell the farrier that he is fired and why. Being belligerent to animals or people for that matter should not be tolerated.
While I believe that a horse should have very good manners particularly with farriers and vets, they are after all horses and horses tend to be curious as well as fidgety but that is not a reason to be gruff or physical with them.
Good Luck and thanks for asking this question
Cheers
Hi Ruthy
I would suggest taking to your farries about your views and tell him everything you have to say about the matter, and if he does not respect your wishes then as they say "out with the old in with the new."
hope that it helps, i myself am not very good with comfrontations, bt I will pray for you that you will be able to tak to him and that he will understand and treat your horse better.
HorseCrazy
Thank you everyone for your feedback. I think I will get him back again but before he does anything to my horse I will try and discuss why I feel it's not appropriate. But it's going to be scary for me - I hate confrontation! But i have 6 weeks to prepare i guess!!!!
I would suggest reviewing Join-Up with the Farrier lessons, and maybe the Dually Halter lessons before confronting your farrier. If he doesn't listen to you, I would fire him.
Thanks Horse addict. I have just had the acupuncturist out, who told me she used to use the same farrier, and stopped using him for the same reason (he hit her horse with the rasp which actually cut the leg) so I think that I will be going with a new farrier after all. Thanks everyone for your feedback though - in future I think I will address the problem the moment it occurs (hopefully I can pluck up the courage)!