The farrier is coming on Friday to trim and re-shod my boy. I plan to be there and want to be sure to properly communicate the concerns that am developing with my horse. There are two issues that I have noticed. I'm not sure that there is any causation or that they are even related, but I would love to hear your thoughts.
My gelding is 9 years old. He is shod on the front and sees the farrier very regularly - every 4 to 6 weeks. The farrier is a good and trusted farrier that trims and shods many of the barn horses. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Within the past couple weeks, I noticed that my gelding has tripped several times. Now, I know that this can be perfectly normal. He really doesn't always mind his feet when he is walking. He would rather check out the scenery. I know this because he trips in the same area almost every time. This place is just a slight change in elevation that goes from a grassy to concrete area. He's usually checking out the interior of the barn or the mare field as he walks by. I hear a "ka-thunk" and a collection of feet as he gets himself back together. LOL So, that is explainable. He is a klutz like me.
That said, he tripped with his trainer on his back the other day - a lovely and knowledgeable gal who has brought him along very well. He actually went down on a knee and stuffed his schnoz in the dirt that time. Okay, can still be explained by being a klutz... But, there's something else.
Today, I brought him in, groomed him, squared him up, and asked for his front foot. Now, I'm pretty good about holding on to his hoof and I am gentle, quick but thorough. I'm also very consistent with praise when he does what I want. Finally, I always tell him before I put his foot down and do so gently. But, today, he began to jostle his leg around for control - trying to pull out of my hand. He managed to pull out of my hand one time and stomp his foot down, for which he received an immediate sharp verbal correction. I don't like foot nonsense.
I didn't feel or see anything strange. He's not walking or trotting strangely, but I'm still acting like a concerned mom. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations of what I might want to take up with the farrier?
Also, I just want to add that I am far beyond getting injured when people give me advice. In fact, I love it. So, if I have said anything that makes you think that I might need to change something I am doing, post away!
Thanks in advance!!!
My gelding is 9 years old. He is shod on the front and sees the farrier very regularly - every 4 to 6 weeks. The farrier is a good and trusted farrier that trims and shods many of the barn horses. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Within the past couple weeks, I noticed that my gelding has tripped several times. Now, I know that this can be perfectly normal. He really doesn't always mind his feet when he is walking. He would rather check out the scenery. I know this because he trips in the same area almost every time. This place is just a slight change in elevation that goes from a grassy to concrete area. He's usually checking out the interior of the barn or the mare field as he walks by. I hear a "ka-thunk" and a collection of feet as he gets himself back together. LOL So, that is explainable. He is a klutz like me.
That said, he tripped with his trainer on his back the other day - a lovely and knowledgeable gal who has brought him along very well. He actually went down on a knee and stuffed his schnoz in the dirt that time. Okay, can still be explained by being a klutz... But, there's something else.
Today, I brought him in, groomed him, squared him up, and asked for his front foot. Now, I'm pretty good about holding on to his hoof and I am gentle, quick but thorough. I'm also very consistent with praise when he does what I want. Finally, I always tell him before I put his foot down and do so gently. But, today, he began to jostle his leg around for control - trying to pull out of my hand. He managed to pull out of my hand one time and stomp his foot down, for which he received an immediate sharp verbal correction. I don't like foot nonsense.
I didn't feel or see anything strange. He's not walking or trotting strangely, but I'm still acting like a concerned mom. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations of what I might want to take up with the farrier?
Also, I just want to add that I am far beyond getting injured when people give me advice. In fact, I love it. So, if I have said anything that makes you think that I might need to change something I am doing, post away!
Thanks in advance!!!