before and after hoof trim

[Marsha Cassada]

So, Rusty had a hoof trim today. I've had him a week. I cleaned and rasped a little a few days ago and he stood fine. Today he was pretty terrible with the farrier. The farrier was very patient, and good with him, but Rusty was pretty white-of-the-eyes. Farrier noticed that his wear is on opposite sides, front to back. Rusty probably needs to see a chiropractor. Also, I washed his eyes and nose this morning for the first time and he thought I was trying to kill him. I even used warm water. But I got his eyes cleaned and his nose. We did some gum massage. The whole thing seemed to terrify him. What in the world happened to him in his short life?
I will just keeping working with him. He MUST have his feet done, and he MUST have his face washed. So he had better just get used to it. I don't tie, but just let him back away while holding the lead rope. I don't want him to jerk on his head when being tied.
I asked the vet about sedation and he said the worst thing about that is he horse doesn't remember anything, so therefore he cannot learn. That was an interesting observation.
So, at first he was quite docile, but now is more reactive. What does that mean? He's better fed and has more energy, maybe?

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Forgot to post a before/after of one hind foot.

 

[LostandFound]

Do you pinch his leg between yours when you pick his feet? I have noticed that seems to set some of them off, and practice it on my colt and the mare that can be a pain to do. If you don't, practicing that might be all you need to do. A very light sedation is more about your farrier being able to do what he needs to do than it is teaching your horse to behave.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Every horse teaches me something different. We are definitely taking things slowly. Once all the holidays are over I will have more time to go for walks with Billy and him, and generally work on trust things.
I had no plans to sedate Rusty; I was just asking the farrier's thoughts.

 

[Standards Equine]

It may not be a situation of bad interactions or experience, but it may be a case of little to no interactions at all. Therefore, in my mind, repetition and positive association will win the day. Things take as long as they take but your attitude towards the situation and timing with praise will help him. What he knew for his world changed drastically when you brought him home. Even though what he had before was certainly not as good as what he has now, it was familiar. Chances are he did not have much exposure to different things when he was young and impressionable.

I have no doubt that he will come around and begin looking forward to the spoiling he's going to receive at your place. If you introduce him to everything as if it's his first encounter, and educate him from there, you'll be away to the races.

If I could make it through with Falcor, you and Rusty will definitely get on the same team as well!

 

[HersheyMint]

Do you pinch his leg between yours when you pick his feet? I have noticed that seems to set some of them off, and practice it on my colt and the mare that can be a pain to do. If you don't, practicing that might be all you need to do. A very light sedation is more about your farrier being able to do what he needs to do than it is teaching your horse to behave.

One of my minis does not like his front legs between the farriers legs. The farrier kneels to trim.

 

[HersheyMint]

It may not be a situation of bad interactions or experience, but it may be a case of little to no interactions at all. Therefore, in my mind, repetition and positive association will win the day. Things take as long as they take but your attitude towards the situation and timing with praise will help him. What he knew for his world changed drastically when you brought him home. Even though what he had before was certainly not as good as what he has now, it was familiar. Chances are he did not have much exposure to different things when he was young and impressionable.

I have no doubt that he will come around and begin looking forward to the spoiling he's going to receive at your place. If you introduce him to everything as if it's his first encounter, and educate him from there, you'll be away to the races.

If I could make it through with Falcor, you and Rusty will definitely get on the same team as well!

I was thinking the same as it might be having more interaction. It is so good he landed with you. I look towards hearing how he progresses.

 

[LostandFound]

One of my minis does not like his front legs between the farriers legs. The farrier kneels to trim.

I'm trying to teach my farrier that trick, but the horse seems to learn faster.

 

[chandab]

It's my understanding with dorm gel that they are still aware but "relaxed", I've had a couple that only needed dorm gel for one or two trims, and then good going forward. [I have one that was born here that just hates having her hooves done, she has some problem hooves, so that doesn't help; but at least with the dorm on board, I can get through her trim.] I know other sedatives, they are totally out of it, so don't learn anything; but could have sworn I was told they are more aware of their surroundings and what is happening with dorm.

 

[Dreams of Ashes]

It's my understanding with dorm gel that they are still aware but "relaxed", I've had a couple that only needed dorm gel for one or two trims, and then good going forward. [I have one that was born here that just hates having her hooves done, she has some problem hooves, so that doesn't help; but at least with the dorm on board, I can get through her trim.] I know other sedatives, they are totally out of it, so don't learn anything; but could have sworn I was told they are more aware of their surroundings and what is happening with dorm.

I think my parents would have liked that for our pony growing up. She absolutely hated having her hooves trimmed. I don't think she had bad experiences, she arrived to our farm, with properly trimmed hooves and in good weight for a Shetland.(we have a picture from that day). Best present ever for farm kids from the Grandparents.

 

[HersheyMint]

I have used a calming paste, otc that work just another to relax my mini.

 

[Cayuse]

I bet he's just never had anything done with him and he's semi feral. He'll come around in short order. He's foot looks greatly improved with just that one trim!

 

[MaryFlora]

I also wonder if it is just all new to Rusty. Even your daily regular presence is probably a totally new routine, and one that he would now miss if you quit!