Keeping a steady foot when the horse gets antsy

My client's mare always yanks her hoof back when I try to nail. I found that leaning my shoulder against her leg gives her less room to move. What do you do for horses that won't stand still?

3 comments

3 Comments

cameron3711mo ago

Honestly, I've seen folks try that shoulder lean, but it can make some horses feel trapped and react worse. I like to focus on ground manners first, getting the mare okay with her legs being touched. For instance, I'll pick up the hoof and hold it for just a second, then let go and praise her. Repeating that builds trust so she isn't so jumpy. Sometimes a second person just scratching her neck can keep her mind off her feet. Have you tried breaking the process into smaller steps?

the_mason1mo ago

That bit about the shoulder lean making them feel trapped is so true. I tried something like that on a friend's horse once and got politely told to stick to concrete work where things don't move. Julia's point about breathing is huge though, I've caught myself holding my breath just watching someone else do it. Breaking it into tiny steps like you said is the only way that makes sense to me, start where the mare is okay and just add a second at a time.

ward.julia1mo ago

Watch how you breathe around her, because horses pick up on tension instantly. If you're holding your breath or stiffening, she'll mirror that stress even before you touch her hoof. Cameron371's step-by-step method works better when you're as relaxed as you want her to be.