HGPaints
Posted : 8/28/2009 12:10:59 PM
I'm completely with you on that one hunt. Standing for the farrier is a skill all on its own. I want the horse to learn it as a skill without tiring them out first. I have known some horses that could go forever and I personally don't have an entire day to dedicate to the farrier coming. Not to mention, if something were to happen to the horse that the farrier had to check, that horse may not be able to run around, but may very well be able to still run a person over. A barn that I work at has many older horses that are physically incapable of running around on a lungelinge, but still have no problem plowing a person down. Its been addressed, and the horses are better, but when making them move in small circles isn't an option, you have to find another way.
Ok, the first problem here isn't the farrier, its the fact that the horse is not respecting your personal space. Your personal space is the most important thing. Whenever I am training a horse, I am training it with my 4 yr old cousin in the back of my mind. My goal is to make that horse trained to the point that if that little kid wandered out there, then I wouldn't have to worry. I learned a long time ago that I can't control what people do, but I can control my horses. The pushier your horse, the more space you need to give yourself. Start with space exercises and pretend like you are a 5 yr old kid walking your horse. Think about how responsive you would want him to be and how attentive to his handler. A lot of times, adults restrain problems because they can, but then there is always call for more and more restraint. So, think like there is a kid standing there and get that horse out of your space! I agree that you should use a rope halter. Simulate the farrier coming, work on holding the hoof for long periods of time, bang on it a little, hold it between your legs, etc.
Once your space is solidly established, then your horse knows that the response to jump in your lap is never exceptable. It doesn't matter if it is vet, farrier, fireworks, or gunshots, your space is the most important thing. This also establishes leadership, which will give the horse the confidence and trust to go through with what you are asking of him, whatever it is.