Finally got a clean clip on a really nervous quarter horse in Spokane

Tried holding the hoof between my knees instead of the stand for the first pass, and it calmed him right down. Anyone have other tricks for jumpy clients?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbarahill10d ago

Ever think holding a hoof that way was just asking for trouble? I was wrong, it works like a charm sometimes.

perry.avery10d ago

That quarter horse in Spokane sounds like a real project, good on you for finding a fix. Barbarahill is right that it can feel risky, but the knee hold gives a softer feel than a cold metal stand. The real trick is reading the horse to know when to use it. For jumpy ones, I'll sometimes just rest the hoof on my thigh for a minute before I even pick up a tool, lets them get used to the pressure. It's all about taking away that trapped feeling they get with the stand.