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Horse tries to 'fall' when cleaning front feet

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Horse tries to 'fall' when cleaning front feet
  • I have a 17 year old Appaloosa mare that I have owned since early May.  First let me say that I don't put up with any crap from my horses.  I don't hit them or abuse them in any way, they are fat and happy!  This horse is a wonderful girl she just has horrible feet.  She has a bad case of thrush in three hooves that is clearing up with treatment but she must have her feet picked, sprayed with soap and water, rinsed, dried, and medicine applied.  Every time I work on her front feet it doesn't take long before she acts like she's falling and drops.  It IS a big act because my husband can do it and she doesn't move.  I have held her feet in several different ways (cradling, in between my knees, holding leg above the knee, on the knee, etc.).  No matter what I do she drops.  After I yell at her and get her foot up she doesn't do it again.  She's just being a brat but this needs to stop.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • When she drops does she lay completely down on her side or just on her belly?  When she does drop you let go of the foot?  Does she know to lounge?
     
    What I would try first and see what she thinks of it is bring her into an arena or pen that has soft footing like sand or worked up ground and then don't tie her just pick up the foot and see what happens.  If she drops be ready and as soon as her knees start to buckle really get after her and send her off what ever direction is easier for you, but really make her think you are going to eat her till she jumps up and moves off.  A 14ft lead works really well for just the right amount of distance and I would also use a rope halter to keep her from leaning against you so badly.  When she has went about 6 laps either at a lope or hard trot, stop her, give her a pat and then again pick up the foot.  If she stands still set it back on the ground and rub her.  If she trys to drop again really hustle her around the pen for a while and repeat.  When she finds out laying down only makes more work she should be more willing to just stand still and relaxe.
     
     
  • She doesn't lay down, she just tries to 'kneel'.  I have to let go of her foot for both our safety.  After I yell at her she doesn't do it again on that foot but when I start the other front foot she does it again.  What makes me mad is that she only does it to me, not my husband.  I put her in a rope halter and we are always on soft ground.  I took her for a long walk yesterday on a lead rope, since I am not riding her until her feet are better, before I started her feet.  I like the lunge idea and will definitely give it a try this morning.  I'm going to lunge her a bit before we even start.  Will let y'all know how we make out.  Thanks for the tips!
  • Most foot care practices can be done by the average horse owner. However, it is important to know when to seek the help of a professional, especially for corrective shoeing and disease treatment and control.