Farrier coming today... im worried that my horse is going to be a Butthead...?

Question

okay, so im kinda worried about the Farrier coming this afternoon and my horse kinda acts...well.... oh just read my other question http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnUZGYXzORNzhHw2RXMXR1nh5gt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080619234732AAul3Uj

yeah well i tried doing what these people said, and it kinda didnt work. he's stopped charging at me but he still puts his ears back at me and threatens to kick me. im worried that Romeo is going to be a *** this arvo with the farrier. he literally got two kicks up the *** from the other horses. like, he got one just above the base of his tail, and he got one where that fleshy part is on the inside just above his hock. they are quite sore, but they are jut superficial. they were sore the day before yesterday, but i didnt get a chance to see him yesterday, so im not sure. he was just about to kick mum when she tried to pick up his back foot to have a look at his heel. i think its real sore. but im not sure. what can i do to make sure his kick mark

Answer 1

the farriers gonna be used to dealing with problem horses

just let him know beforhand that its a bit iffy

i wouldnt worry too much, farriers have heapppsssss of experience with horses :)

Answer 2

If your farrier is any good he will NOT be dominated by the horse.

Make sure that you tell him that the horse has been kicked and may be sore but other than that I wouldn't worry too much - Farriers deal with brats and idiots all the time, they don't exactly enjoy it but they don't tend to back down either.

Answer 3

Have you tried having a professional trainer work with him?   There are an awful lot of horses that are so headstrong, that they become aggressive, if the wrong person is working with them.  You lack confidence in yourself, and he knows it.  If a trainer doesn't work out, you'll be better off selling him, and get a quieter horse, one that you feel confident with.  You'll never be able to enjoy this horse the way he is making you feel.

Answer 4

Well, you probably won't make significant progress by this afternoon, but it is your responsibility to warn the farrier about your horse's tendencies. Don't worry, the farrier is a trained professional, and he knows how to deal with aggresive horses. :)

After the visit, maybe get a trainer in to work with him.

Answer 5

If you feel your horse might "dominate" the farrier, you might get another farrier, I had a horse that was fine with one farrier and acted a fool with the other.  Sure she might act like she was thinking about acting up, but soon as the farrier spun her around real quick in a tight circle a couple times and got after her, she decided to stand.  Dont ask me how but she would act up with the twitch on, it usually workes though.

Answer 6

Your horse has no respect for you and sounds unpredictable and dangerous.  As an owner, it is your responsibility to teach your horse proper ground manners.  A horse in pain can be a problem and your farrier should be informed.   So I'm unsure of what "kinda didn't work" but how much did you "work at it"?  It can take many hours and sessions to correct a problem but you have to time the time and have the knowledge to get it done.  You have to decide if it is worth it to you and your farrier has to decide if he wants to put his life at risk to trim your horse.  Seems like an easy decision to me.

Answer 7

I agree with the previous poster - try a twitch. It could make your horse, farrier, and YOU feel better!

Answer 8

By this afternoon?

Nothing much.  

Well, you can warn the farrier, and get the twitch.  Don't worry, the farrier probably has one.  They're used to having to deal with bad behavior.  Listen to him and do what he says.  It can seem harsh, but it doesn't hurt them, and it's necessary to make them behave.

Over time you can continue working with him to slowly desensitize him to having his feet handled.

Or, get sedatives from the vet.

Answer 9

A lot of people are opposed to this and they are certainly entitled to their opinions, but I am a big fan of "better behavior through chemistry" for piggy horses like yours.

Not as a replacement for training, mind you, but for the protection of the farrier and handler WHILE he's learning.  A nice little rompun/dermosedan cocktail, administered by someone who knows what they are doing, is a protection for all concerned.  I also don't advocate anybody who has not been taught by a competant professional giving shots of any kind.  But I learned, of necessity.  Most others can, too.

I flipped back through some of your q's...you got some good advice.  Give it time, though.  You say things haven't worked...but nothing is going to work overnight.  You may be a bit "overhorsed" for your abilities...you can learn to deal with him, but it's going to be much more challenging if he's got your number.