Misbehaves with farrier

Apache has suddenly decided during the last two visits of the farrier that he won't sit still for him. It's really weird because before this he was the one that would literally fall asleep while his feet were done. When his front feet are being done he will just randomly start rearing and trying to get away. With his back legs he kicked out once but otherwise just stomps his foot to the ground and starts turning his hindquarters to the farrier practically trampling him. Its really embarrassing even though he told me both times not to worry he's done worse horses but I would feel really bad if my horse hurt him because of its bad behaviour. The only thing I could put it down to was either him losing his balance or wanting to be with his buddies. I don't hink he's losing his balance because nothing had changed since the last time he had his feet done. He also sat still for me to clean his feet before hand even though he was fidgeting when he was just tied up. He normally couldn't care less where the other horses are and its never mattered any other time. I normally don't even have to have him tied up for him to stand whilst I groom him. I don't want him to think he is allowed to do this. The only thing I can think of doing is kind of practising at home by myself picking his feet up and holding them for periods of time while stretching them out a bit at different angles. Is this a good idea and is there anything else I can do? Thanks

Any possible chance he could have had a bad experience with the farrier while you weren't present?

Yes definitely practice with him - everyday if you can. However, I've had problems in the past with farriers and a few things played into each situation. First I would consider how the farrier is with your horse. Is s/he fairly uptight and in a hurry = not good. Is s/he calm and seems like s/he has all the time in the world = that is good. What about you - are you nervous,uptight, worried when you are in the presence of your farrier? If so think about how you can change that. Be calm and as you normally are. Do you like your farrier and consequently talk a lot and raise your energy without even realizing it? If so, don't talk anymore and let your farrier know ahead of time. Then the other thing is doing a little ground work with your horse before the farrier arrives. I've had one horse that was quite extreme and I had to get creative with him but I think with most horses if you think about what's going on you'll probably find a solution.

Yes definitely practice do everything your farrier does with your horse stretch his legs out tap his feet or shoes with a hoof pick or a brush because it could be a reaction to the pounding. I even went so far with my mare as to make her put her foot on a bucket and hold it for a few.minutes like the stand my shoer has. Get creative and play with feet as much as possible.

My other thought is since this isnt normal behabior for your horse could he have been a little stiffer in the cold weather? I have found a little light lunging and stretching before mare gets her shoes redone does wonders for her attitude with the farrier.

Just a thought good luck!
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I do the same as luvmygirls. Typically I try to ride or lunge before the farrier comes out. It has really made a difference in Primo's mental moments with the farrier. Not only does it help stretch them out, but gets them focused and thinking on you.

Since this is out of behavior for your horse maybe he is trying to tell you something hurts? Could be he's feet, legs or back. Everything is connected to everything.

My horse also recently was a jerk for the farrier last time out. He usually stands well. Definitely work with him, hold his hooves up. Pick them out, clean them, bang on them a little with the hoof pick, etc. Make sure to never release the leg if he is fighting you. Make sure the leg is relaxed before you put it down, or else you'll be rewarding the bad behavior.

I also plan on working the snot out of my horse before his next farrier visit. A tired horse is a well behaved horse!!

Thanks everyone
I don't think it was a bad experience especially with how well behaved he was before. We were also talking as usual and he is the horse I can normally have tied up jump and scream around with him just sleeping. It might be a good idea to work him before hand but lately the farrier has been coming after school so I only have enough time to get them ready for him to do. I will have to start doing stuff with his legs and really stretching them to see if he is sore somewhere but I don't think he is.

My filly is a royal stinker for the farrier! She doesn't mess with me ever and I handle her feet daily...my 6 year old can clean her feet (with assistance) and she never fusses. But she always tries to nail our poor farrier each time. He's wonderful and patient and I have never seen him loose his temper with any of the trouble horses at my barn and I know for a fact she's never had a bad experience because I have been there every time. I don't know what her issue is with him, she even tries to bite him as soon as he comes up to her. She just flat out doesn't like him.

She's never really been worked with by a man so I am going to have my husband go mess with her to see if she tries to pull the same attitude with him ;)

Well I'd suggest that you touch his legs every day, pick up his hooves and rub him and praise him when he does well. Do not treat him, because then he'll just be looking for treats and won't stand still. But make sure he stands still with whoever is touching him. If you can, maybe try lounging him or just taking him for a walk before you get his hooves done. I usually warm my gelding up a bit because he is like a child with ADHD. He is fine having his legs picked up/touched but just can't stand still that long!

And if you have him somewhere where there are many people around, maybe ask others if they could help you by picking up his feet and such. (Make sure it's people who know horses at least, not just someone completely uneducated who might hurt themselves/the horse.

Just my suggestions. :3