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Just figured out a trick for dealing with those stubborn front feet that won't stand still
I've been fighting with this one horse for months now, a big draft cross named Gus, and every time I go to work on his fronts he shifts his weight around like he's dancing. Tried everything - tying him short, having the owner hold a front leg up, even tried those calming sprays that never do anything. Then last week I ran into an old farrier at a clinic in Columbus and he told me to try putting a little pressure on the shoulder with my knee while I'm picking up the foot. Honestly thought it sounded dumb but I gave it a shot this morning and the horse just stood there like a rock. It's just about shifting their balance before you even reach down. Anyone else pick up little body language tricks like this that make a huge difference?
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mason2095mo ago
Ask him if he meant putting pressure on the shoulder towards the horse's back or forward towards the chest? I've been playing with this idea myself after watching a clinic video but I'm not sure I'm doing it right. Been hoofing for about 8 years now and it's ALWAYS the little things that slip past you.
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caseyc305mo ago
Nah I was the same way honestly. Thought it was some voodoo horse whisperer stuff that don't really work. But I tried it on a mare last week that always throws her weight into me when I go for her front. Pushed my knee into her shoulder just a bit, not hard or anything, and she just stopped. She stood there like a lawn ornament. Then I tried it on a gelding that pins his ears the second you touch his foot and same thing. It's wild how one little shift changes everything. Makes me feel dumb for all the years I spent wrestling with them instead.
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