Not every horse fears the same things. However, there are situations where many horses experience stress, posing a problem for both human and animal - one of which is the appointment with the farrier. It's a necessary appointment for every horse, yet for some, it's always associated with stress. A stranger comes, touches the horse's belly, back, and legs, and works on the hooves.
Especially if the horse is young or has had bad experiences with the farrier, it is important to practice beforehand to establish a sense of routine. A nervous horse that may kick or rear can be a danger to both the farrier or hoof care professional and the person handling the horse's head. Get your horse accustomed to being touched on the legs, belly, and back without any issues. If you are not familiar with your horse yet, you can start by using a whip to gauge its reaction to touches on different parts of the body.
To ensure your horse stands calmly on three legs during the farrier's work, it is essential that it is familiar with and proficient in giving its hooves. You can also practice holding up its legs, especially for young horses who may find it unfamiliar when the farrier picks up their hooves for trimming.
Do you want to learn more about how horses react to stressful situations, how their flight instinct manifests, and how we as owners can make stress more bearable for our horses? Horses react differently to various stressors and exhibit individual behaviors. Download our new e-book with all stress symptoms now to gain valuable insights!