I have an eight month old colt who was brilliant at letting me pick his feet out untill last week after the farrier had been and gave him his first trim. As soon as i pick his foot up he shakes it hard so that if i dont let go he will fall over what has happened? please help i know i have to be persistant but i dont know how to solve this.
2007-03-27 00:20:44 · 8 answers · asked by tatty ted 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Did you watch your farrier trim his feet? Do you trust this farrier and does he have references? Maybe something happened during the farrier visit that upset your colt. I have heard of some farriers rough handling their client's horses when they aren't around, not to say that this is what happened in your case, but just be aware that it does happen. Next time be sure you are there when the farrier comes out. Until then, you're just gonna have to keep picking up his feet. Repetition is the best way for a horse to get accustomed to picking up his feet. Make sure your horse is relaxed and in a nice calm area. Make the experience pleasant for him. Talk to him while you do it, rub and praise him for every little effort he makes in the right direction.
What I did with my gelding was say "pick it up" every time I asked for his foot. Now all I have to do it say that and he lifts it without me even having to bend down and touch his leg. Work on this everyday, twice a day if you have to. Just be sure to keep the lessons short because an 8 month old colt's attention span is very short and you don't want to wear him down, even if it takes a few weeks instead of a few days. There is a saying in horse training "the long way is the short way" because if you take your time and do things right the first time, you will run into fewer problems in the future. There's nothing that upsets me more than seeing people push their horses too fast because they want to see results. There should be no timelines when working with horses, let your horse be your guide, he will tell you when he's ready to move on. Anyways, eventually your colt will be comfortable with this. He's only 8 months after all and he's going to test you. Mine still does and he's 2.
2007-03-27 03:05:16 · answer #1 · answered by rockerchic821 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is possible your farrier through his behavior has undone all of your work with one bad experience. Did you watch while the farrier was working on your colt? Did you inspect the trim immediately afterward? Was the colt cut too close and left sore?
Do you know what you are looking for that would indicate this? Press on the sole of the foot. If it gives to pressure then too much sole was removed and the colt was sored.
You have to start over. Don't blame the colt, learn how to evaluate the work of your farrier, then supervise next time.
Do not be afraid of your farrier. If he or she will not answer questions, treats your horse roughly, or puts a size to small shoe on your horse because they don't have the right size, find another farrier.
Your farrier can cause more problems through their laziness, ill preparation, and ignorance than anyone will care to admit.
2007-03-27 07:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by sarah c 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The farrier experience may have changed his mind a bit and he may be getting used to his new feet. If horses could speak it would make life so much easier!
What I would do is get him used to you touching his legs without picking up his feet. Just be calm and patient with him, he's only 8 months old. Then when you do pick up his feet just do it for short periods of time, not far off the ground and then each time do it longer and higher off the ground. Don't be excessive or demanding of him and don't pick up his feet 100 times in a day if he's still nervous. Make him comfortable by talking to him and by helping support his weight if he starts to fall over. IF he falls over and injures himself forget about him ever picking up his feet again. You could also call you farrier and discuss the problem with him and ask for tips. Do not blame the farrier for this problem though because then he won't help.
Good luck!
2007-03-27 09:59:04 · answer #3 · answered by Melanie 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You will find that some colts, as they grow older, become sensitive down the back of the leg, behind the knee, as this is where colts and stallions go for each other when they play and fight. Can you pick his feet up without running your hand down his leg, first? I had to look after a 4 yr old stallion that had been fighting another and the only way we could pick his feet up was by going straight in to the fetlock and grabbing it firmly!
You must be very patient and firm with him. Best of Luck!
If you would like an Equestrian/Horse Riding category on here, please go to the Forum, top right-hand corner, and suggest it. Thanks.
2007-03-27 10:25:01 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all you are letting the colt tell you what is going to or not going to happen. You are going to be in big trouble unless you turn that around. Secondly if he falls over he is not going to get hurt and may think twice again. I always have them trimmed if they need it or not just as education starting at one month of age. You need to be asking him for his foot several times a day and don't give up. Actually you need to teach him to give you his foot. The magazine "Perfect Horse" by John Lyons has many very good step by step training articles on this.
2007-03-27 08:08:45 · answer #5 · answered by Born2Bloom 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The fact that you describe your colt as "brilliant" shows that you really do not expect that much from him. Or maybe, he thought you were being too picky and he fell in love with the "farrier", whatever that is? Another possibility,he may have felt you were developing a "foot fetish" and he just wasn't into that sort of thing. Chances are, however, your "Vet" could probably give you better advice than I( or is it 'me'?) Anyway good luck and for the colts sake get some professional help. For the colt, that is!!!!!!!!
2007-03-27 07:42:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
You need to work with his feet more. Put the hoof pick down so you have more control and run your hands up and down his legs. Pick up his feet and hold it with both hands. He will try to pull away but just hold on!!! You should also have him tied or have someone hold him when you do this. When he stops struggling, put down his feet and praise him. Make sure he knows that what he just did was Awesome!!!. He will eventually get used to having his feet handled. Good Luck!!!
2007-03-27 07:58:54 · answer #7 · answered by Jewels 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Firstly, call your local vet's office. Secondly, it probably still has sores. That's all I can say. sorry.
2007-03-27 07:34:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋