He thinks that I need to sedate and give my horse pain meds when he shoes him (my farrier is fairly old...not to be rude) He says my horse has pain in his back legs when he lifts the horse's foot because the horse is constantly puting a little presure on him. Is this reason to give a shot to him or not? It costs only an extra $10 but I can't ride my horse, safely, the rest of the day without worry that he will fall with me. Is this reason enough to give him a shot? Is it worth it? If you need more information say so and I'll do the best I can.
2007-03-09 13:22:18 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
My horse is very sound. He doesn't have pain in his legs when I ride. It's not a serious pain. He say's that what causes it to hurt is to do a sliding stop, which we don't do, or when he lifts his leg (hes a shorter horse 14 hands) and puts his hip in a weird postition.
2007-03-09 13:54:26 · update #1
My horse is very sound. He doesn't have pain in his legs when I ride. It's not a serious pain. He say's that what causes it to hurt is to put a lot of stress on the legs like to do a sliding stop, which we don't do, or when he lifts his leg (hes a shorter horse 14 hands) and puts his hip in a weird postition.
2007-03-09 14:00:14 · update #2
I would check with your vet before you ask your farrier to sedate him. The truth about it is the amount your farrier would give your horse only cost's about $1.14 to sedate a 1,200 lb animal. A lot of farriers will suggest the sedation to make some extra cash. And if your horse is putting pressure on your farrier- your farrier isn't setting him up correctly to be shod.
In my opinion it won't be very healthy for your horse. When a horse is sedated he often become to relaxed to control muscle movement and how he stands. This can result in a unlevel trim and impropershod. A horse that is alert will brace himself on his other legs and set his body up straight. My farrier only sedates horses that aren't halter broke or refuse to lift their legs and ends up rearing or kicking.
If your vet hasn't mentioned any stiffness or pain to you- no reason to sedate your horse and take the risk of an improper shod. I love my farrier- but I'm a vet. I know if one of my horses is in pain and know which pain management to take according to body condition.
2007-03-09 16:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would get a new farrier, "constantly puting a little presure on him" is not a reason to sedate him. Most horses do that and even if he did sedate him it would have to be to the point of laying down because that doesnt make sense. If the farrier says that he has to sedate the horse so he isnt in pain from holding up his foot what would more pounds of 'dead weight' do for the horse?
2007-03-09 13:51:40 · answer #2 · answered by starqrider 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One way to solve the mystery is, have the vet check your horse. The vet is a better expert for determing whether or not your horse has pain in his back leg. If, per chance, your horse does have pain in his back leg as the farriar says, then the vet can tell you why there is pain. If, per chance, the horse is determined by the vet to have no pain, then I think I would be looking for a new farriar. Even though an opinion about pain is very insignificant, there are other things that he could misjudge that are very important, like trimming the hoof right.
2007-03-09 13:45:12 · answer #3 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds more like your farrier doesn't like working around your horse, I would never sedate a horse to have it shoes put on. If your horse is sound and stands still for the farrier, then I would get a new farrier
2007-03-10 11:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by bandit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is one thing that really stands out to me from your question. Your farrier says your horse has pain in his back legs and needs to be SEDATED. It sounds like your farrier is a little lazy and a sedated horse will stand still easier. My farrier said that one of my geldings was acting like he hurt in his back legs. (he was reluctant to pick it up) He said take him to the vet and have him checked, not " I will give him a shot". Turned out that his hocks were sore. Good farriers will let you know of a potential problem, and it is up to you to get proper medical treatment. Your farrier sounds like one of the old cowboy types. Get shoes on, get a check and go. I would have the vet look at my horse to be on the safe side and then try and find another farrier. Good Luck!
2007-03-09 22:12:46 · answer #5 · answered by Paint Pony 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your farrier thinks your horse has pain in his back legs, he is probably right. He has been looking at horses a long time, and probably has a bit more experience than you, if you consider him fairly old then you are probably fairly young. He may be suggesting it to make it easier on the horse as well as himself. Has a vet been out to have a look at your horse? If anyone at all suggests your horse is in pain, check it out, horses can be either extremely stubborn or extremely melodramatic. Would it really hurt not to ride your horse for one day? Especially is it means less pain for him. It sounds like your only reason for not doing it is a selfish one. Have a vet look at your horse. Its the only way to find out for sure.
2007-03-09 13:36:10 · answer #6 · answered by Big red 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I had a lame mare years ago that had trouble balancing herself on three legs while the farrier trimmed her. The bad leg was the left front. When the farrier finished trimming the right front leg, my mare would hold her sore left leg off the ground. I know it was uncomfortable for her, but couldn't figure out how to trim her right hoof without the agony. If sedation makes her more comfortable, then by all means, sedate her.
I feel really sorry for your horse that you can't refrain from riding him for one day out of 6-9 weeks. that speaks volumes of your immaturity, self-centeredness and lack of care you give your horse. You need to give that horse at least one day off every week. No harness, no lunging, no riding, no work of any kind. It's the right thing to do.
Don't get another farrier. The one you have is concerned about your horse. You should be concerned about your horse, too.
2007-03-09 16:18:18 · answer #7 · answered by north79004487 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I think you should trust the ferrier-- after all, he is the one who specializes in the field. If you are really concerned hes not doing the right thing, then pick up the phone and get a second ferriers opinion and possibly look for another ferrier OR the next time the vet is out for checkups, shots or whatever then ask him/her to take a look and see if thats really the case. If it is and your horse DOES need shots when shoeing ask your vet how long you have to wait before riding-- that is the only way to know for sure. =)
2007-03-09 13:40:11 · answer #8 · answered by Sarah C- Equine Help 101 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, if the horse has pain in his back legs, then why are you riding the poor guy anyhow?
If you don't like what someone is doing to your animals you have the right to tell them and find someone that does something you find acceptable.
2007-03-09 13:31:33 · answer #9 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He is having pain for a reason. I would call a vet to have xrays done. If you love your horse the money is worth it.
2007-03-09 17:20:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋