Had a good day with a tough horse in Bozeman

Worked on a draft cross that usually kicks. Owner said he'd been bad for three farriers before me. Took it slow, gave him breaks, and got all four shoes on without a fight. Felt like a real win after a long week of tough jobs. Anyone else have a trick for a horse that just needs a minute to think?

2 comments

2 Comments

paulperry2mo ago

Read about letting them smell the tools first.

evanr792mo ago

Yeah I saw something like that too, about letting a horse sniff a new brush or the clippers before you use them. It makes sense, I mean they're prey animals so new stuff is scary. Letting them check it out first just seems like basic respect, you know? It's not even about training, it's just about not being a jerk and surprising them. I always let my dog sniff my hand before I pet him, same idea really.