Farrier Problems

I agree that your shoer is doing more than most would. It is your job to make her stand for him. I know the famous trainers have lots of info on this subject. Most recommend using a dummy hand to desensitize the horse first. I have had some success with a soft cotton rope, do not put pressure on your mare's legs with it, but do run it up and down her legs until she stands.
You will have more success with her if you fix your respect issues. I would suggest you put more emphasis on your relationship with your horse, and less on ribbons, for the meantime. Good Luck

Ha ha, I'm afraid Kevin's totally right. I warned my new farrier when he came out that my horse (who, in her defense, is 3 and was NEVER TRIMMED before I got her last year ) was still working on ground manners and "hops around" a little when being trimmed. He politely but firmly let me know that, as long as I was willing to work on this, and as long as she doesn't buck/rear/bite, he was willing to work with us. He let me know straight up, however, that if those conditions aren't met and improvements aren't made (on MY time, not just when he's there), he won't see a horse. I think that's very reasonable, considering the extra strain on his back of having to move around with the horse. You have a saint for a farrier.

LoL, you sound EXACTLY like me a few months ago. I don't remember who it was, but somebody on the forum pointed out that basically no matter how nice and gentle I think my horse is (which she is...she's my "baby"), she's still showing me blatant disrespect by not respecting me on the ground. Yours is too. My horse, like yours, was basically taking advantage of me and invading my space every chance she saw the opportunity. She was an absolute doll 90% of the time, but that other 10% was getting outright ridiculous, not to mention dangerous. I spent the entire summer working on ground manners instead of riding (NOT fun) because this training was so neglected in her. I am not trying to be judgemental at ALL, because like I said, it took a little "tough love" from another forum member for me to realize that Annie wasn't quite the angel I thought she was. Somebody could get hurt in this situation, and I would hate to see that happen.

Yep! This was one of the best pieces of advice that I got on here. Do not, do not, do NOT allow her to put herself into your space without YOUR permission.

Exactly what I was wondering. My new mare has very good ground manners, but acts like an absolute nut when in pain. If this behavior, as you say, is not typical, I would first rule out pain. Most horses are big babies about pain.

Good luck, sounds like you're having improvement, anyways!

Im sorry I didnt write it clearly but that's what I meant, she got a treat when he put it down not her.

Also, Im sure she is not in pain as shell hold up her back feet for me to clean out most of the time, when she doesnt its just her being bratty.

My horse gets shoes for showing because I ride her about 4-5 times a week and we have 2 day long shows almost every weekend. Her feet arent quite strong enough for it and chip around the edges. During the winter she doesnt need them though because I ride about half as much (we have lots of snow and no indoor arena :( )

I agree with everyone when I say my farrier is a saint and I owe him so much for putting up with this,

Nope -- still not right. She should get the mostest and bestest praise / reward when her foot is OFF the ground and she is not leaning on you or fighting in any way. It may only be for 2 seconds, but that's a start. If the praise is not given when she has her foot UP, later praise is only reinforcing her behavior to put the foot down. I would limit the praise when the foot is down to a minimum.

My concern is that your mare is trying to be your boss. Moving her butt into you is definitely a lack of any kind of respect.
I am afraid that she is going to get worse unless you take her in hand NOW.

Do work with her on the ground. Set up various "hazards" and work with her, if she gets a little nervous about certain things, tarps, tires, whatever, and you are very calm she will come to see YOU as the alpha mare, her behavior will improve all around..... and you will get more of those ribbons!! Good Luck

In addition to you working with her it is possible the farrier may need to do so as well. My DIL's mare was fine with she and I handling her hooves, but she had gotten to where she was testing the farriers. Finally found one who took the lead and said she'd do it. 2 lessons and the mare was no longer yanking her chain.. LOL So, once you can handle her feet at your pleasure that is also an option that may need to be addressed. All the farrier did was circle her tightly when she was naughty.. No punishment, no reward. Just make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. Worked like a charm.