Horsemanship And How To Approach A Horse

By Dean Moshier

Shoeing is not a speed contest. Young, green, sore or old horses require more time to adjust their weight and consider picking up their feet. If the horse won’t give you the foot, look for the horse to shift its weight. Stand up and praise it. Ask again. Patience. If horses are rushed, they may snatch the legs away and strike or kick.

When placing the hooves in a variety of farrier positions, the farrier needs to go tothe limb rather than bring the limb to it. The goal is to abduct (bring away from the midline of the body) the limbs as little as possible. Not every front foot can be put in a traditional farrier stance.

Encourage the limbs into position in a slow and steady manner. The size of the horse doesn’t dictate flexibility.

Don’t assume that a taller horse is flexible and that a shorter one is not. Many horses have range-of-motion issues that will not allow them to achieve the position you would like. These horses will stand comfortably in a lesser position, but can react violently if pushed beyond their ability. Learn the range of the front and hind limbs considering age and soundness.

Develop your skill at using your time wisely underneath the horse. How long is it reasonable to ask it to stand? That time is going to be much shorter on a young, old or lame horse. If the horse gets antsy, it is OK to release it and relax for a minute. Stand up, take a break and pet it. You will both benefit.

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