Today was farrier day and I was nervous. I couldn't help it, farrier day has been touchy for the quarters. Every time I've had him trimmed, Coriander has tried to fall on the farrier, and Gwen has only been trimmed once and it still super anxious about picking her feet up (Well, technically twice. But the first time was before I got her and was completely traumatic for her so I don't count it).
I called the vet and made an appointment a week ago to have Gwen sedated for her trim. So while the farrier was trimming the other horses in the barn I sat and waited for her... and waited... and waited.
Finally I could wait no more, I pulled out Coriander first to buy some time. He was so good. He didn't even pull his feet away and showed me that worrying about him falling on the farrier again was stressing over nothing. Excellent. I'm sure that particular trick will emerge again someday, but getting through once without even an inkling of it was fantastic.
The vet still hadn't shown but I decided to pull Gwen out anyway. She's not too bad about her front feet so I asked him if he could try to do those, but if she got too upset and he couldn't that was okay. She did try a half rear once when he was working on her left front but after that she settled down and let him finish both feet without further issue. The vet still hadn't shown, but the farrier looked at her hinds and said she hadn't had enough growth to need them trimmed anyway (I guess hooves grow slower in the winter). So we left her at that. Overall it was a positive experience for her and I couldn't be prouder of how she handled herself. My little girl is growing up!
Fantastic! You have worked hard with both of them and you are starting to see some real progress. I think it boils down to trust. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wolfie! But I don't think I can take all the credit. Having a farrier who's worth his weight in gold certainly helps.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Having a great farrier is critical to the well-being of your horse. I am glad you have someone. As a newbie rider, I asked around at the stables and everyone I spoke to, from casual riders to competitors, loves the farrier that we have. I am not sure of the protocol, but I tip him every time he works on Gem and he got a bottle of wine at Christmas. :-)
ReplyDeleteHmm, I don't know tip protocol either. I know that my farrier deserves it.
ReplyDeleteWell good for Gwen. I'm sure with a few more good experiences she will be a star for he farrier.
ReplyDeleteHi GHM, that's my plan- keep everything possible positive for her! She just needs time to figure out nobody's going to hurt her.
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