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Barnyard Buddies:  Horse refussal to lift foot  |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 03 2012 : 3:51:07 PM
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Some of you may remember me from my former questions a while back, regarding the acquiring off a rescue horse Smokey. Well the barn was built and other necessities for her arrival, and she's been with us for three weeks. I'm having a great time with her. I know I spoil her and she probably thinks she's in heaven. Thank you for all your advice. Now another question:
How do I get her to lift up her foot? A friend and currier was checking to see if her nails needed trimming and cleaned off the nasty stuff from her feet. He discovered thrush and told me to clean off and apply bleach for a week. She is not being helpful, absolutely refuses to lift foot and I can't force it. Any ideas?? Worried, Jan Shook |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2012 : 4:09:27 PM
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Sometimes if you put your hand on the ankle to lift the hoof and bump the knee with your elbow while saying "hoof" or "pick up" (whatever you want your phrase to be) and just keep at it, you can get them to lift. Sometimes you can push gently to make her move and real quick pick her hoof up while she's adjusting weight. Then there's always tying a rope around the hoof and pulling it up--that can get extreme though, I wouldn't do that unless I had a bad behaved horse. I've also seen some people lightly kick at the back of the hoof and tell the horse to pick up and then real quick grab the hoof. I always give a treat when working with a horse on getting good at something new. Hope that helps. Oh and I also have found it very helpful to pick your phrase and say it EVERY time you want her to do something (such as "hoof" to pick up her hoof) and give lots of praise when she does it--eventually she'll get to where you can just say the phrase and she'll pick her hoof up.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
www.madameapothecary.com |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 03 2012 : 4:35:24 PM
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Thanks so much. I will try this again tomorrow with your suggestion. Hquote:
Originally posted by rksmith
Sometimes if you put your hand on the ankle to lift the hoof and bump the knee with your elbow while saying "hoof" or "pick up" (whatever you want your phrase to be) and just keep at it, you can get them to lift. Sometimes you can push gently to make her move and real quick pick her hoof up while she's adjusting weight. Then there's always tying a rope around the hoof and pulling it up--that can get extreme though, I wouldn't do that unless I had a bad behaved horse. I've also seen some people lightly kick at the back of the hoof and tell the horse to pick up and then real quick grab the hoof. I always give a treat when working with a horse on getting good at something new. Hope that helps. Oh and I also have found it very helpful to pick your phrase and say it EVERY time you want her to do something (such as "hoof" to pick up her hoof) and give lots of praise when she does it--eventually she'll get to where you can just say the phrase and she'll pick her hoof up.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
www.madameapothecary.com
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 08:15:37 AM
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Hi Janis, happy to hear smokey has arrived. How fun! It takes a while for most horses to learn to give their feet. Just be patient and keep at it gently every day. She will probably come around. I do have one horse that never did learn and sometimes they just are what they are. She was 15 when I got her and massive. She is 25+ now. She trims her own hooves. LOL.....You can try some different methods. You can pull on the hair at the back of the foot and as soon as Smokey gives even the smallest amount stop because a release of pressure is a reward to a horse. Pressure and release is the #1 tool in every aspect of training. Also always give a horse a way out, don't try to force or corner them when you work with them because you don't want over you to be the easiest route of escape. You can also gently pinch the back of the lower leg where there is an open space between the bones there. With that the horse will probably give a quick up and down motion. Which isn't really what you are looking for but it does help to create the pathway of habit. Horses are creatures of habit. The third thing and most effective and safest method when beginning to work with a horse about giving their feet is to use a rope and first get them used to having it touch their feet and legs and whole body. Then start to hold both ends and gently tug till they pick up their foot a bit then release and keep doing it every day. With every method just keep doing whatever you are trying to get the horse to accept till they accept then immediately stop the action. That way they learn that if they accept then the asking will stop. But if one stops before they submit then the horse learns that disobedience is what gets the action to stop. That is why it is important to only set little goals at first, so you can get success without having to go through a huge battle. If you do get yourself into a battle situation try to win. If you don't it's not the end of the world and you can work on it another day. Although is will probably put you a step back. But then maybe try a different approach. Don't worry too much about folk that tell you to "show that horse who is boss". They outweight us 10 to 1. We don't ever want them to know who is really the boss, cause it really is them..lol. The goal is to work out a partnership. You 51% Smoky 49%. You being the leader she looks to and trusts. When working with the feet it is always a good idea to wear a helmet, however the most important thing is to be mindful of where your head and face is. Keep your head slightly turned so that if a hoof comes toward your face it may just give you a black eye not a broken nose. Just take your time. Thrush is something that can wait a little while to be treated. And if she is not standing in mud and goop a lot then it probably won't get any worse, maybe even get better on its own some. Also there is medicine for thrush that one can get at the feed store that is a little more effective than bleach. Although I would think that bleach is the more economical way. Sometimes vets and farriers forget that we arent all vets and farriers and we have to take our time. Also do a lot of just rubbing her body and moving down her legs and letting you touch her feet a lot to desensitize her from your touch. Horses need to be comfortable with being touched, but not so comfortable that they push you around or try to slam you. If you get the RFD channel on satellite tv Clinton Anderson is very good at teaching these type of training methods. One can buy his CDs too. I hope this helps.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 11:22:28 AM
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This is how I used to handle all of the horses I trimmed when I was a natural hoof care practitioner:
First make sure your horse is standing balanced in such a way that the horse is not putting weight on the hoof you want to pick up. Getting them to step forward or backward slightly is all you need, sometimes just a slight rock forward or backward of their weight will do. I would often put a little pressure on their shoulder with my finger to rock them back a slight step.
I always started by running my hands down the leg I wanted to pick up. It shows the horse your intention and creates a connection. Sometimes they will lift their foot right then and there. If it is the front hoof, once you get the horse balanced, and have run your hands down the leg, you can ever so gently squeeze the chestnut on the inside of the leg and most often, if the horse is not lame, it will pick its foot up right away. The more you do it, the more the horse will learn that all you have to do is touch the leg on that spot and it will pick up the hoof. No pain involved, just a little pressure.
If it is the back leg, make sure the horse has its weight off that hoof and the hoof is cocked. Run your hand all of the way down the leg from the rump to the hoof to let the horse know your intentions. If you just reach down and grab the hoof, the horse will be a little more surprised about what you are doing.
Making a connection with the horse and working with them will encourage them to be more willing to pick up their feet.
Lastly ..don't do this when you are in a hurry. "If you act like you only have 15 minutes, it will take you all day. If you act like you have all day, it will only take you 15 minutes!!" -- John Lyons.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
"Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better."--Albert Einstein
"A meal of bread, cheese and beer constitutes the perfect food." --Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 3:27:58 PM
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| Thank you, Paula and Laura for taking your time to really explain. Today I made a little headway, but by the time I almost got the crud off (before applying bleach) she seemed uneasy and put her foot down. I think the ground where we worked was not perfectly flat and perhaps that is a problem. Is it okay to tie her for a few minutes to do this. She won't hold still unless I do. I try to sensitize her by grooming her each day while I sing to her (no laughing!). Regarding thrush, I am so afraid she will get an infection in her foot. I guess that is why I am so nervous. The smell was like bad tooth decay. Am I over worrying. Am I suppose to clean her feet regularly? She seems to like to laying down on her poop. Everday and before night I make sure she has her favorite laying down areas cleaned - even with new hay- but she still seems to lay down on the poop. She is a dappled gray (more white) and she always looks poop spotted. Any advise will be gratefully received. I never spent this much time with my kids!!! |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 5:42:52 PM
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Awww sounds like you are doing really well with her.
If you think she might set back and panic if she is tied while you work with her, but think she might hold still better, you can try just wrapping the lead rope a couple of times around a hitching post or the corral fence or something that the rope wont slide down and she might think she is tied and hold still yet if she panics and sets back or jumps around it will come loose. It's always a good idea to keep a pocket knife handy in case a horse needs to be cut loose. However it is important that she doesnt figure out she isnt tied or she may unlearn how to be tied. I had that happen to a horse of mine a couple years ago when I had to treat a painful abscess on her chest every day for a couple of months. A good way to teach horses to tie is to tie them to a bike innertube that is tied to the hitch, so there is a little give but wont let them get away and also teaches them about pressure release.
As far as the bedding. We always clean all poop out of the pens and stalls every day. But they can get sores on their legs from laying on the hard ground. The best thing is to put wood shavings or stwaw in there for them to lay on. However some horses will eat it and thats not good either. Cleaning stalls is much easier with a muck rake also called a manure fork. MUCH easier than trying to use a shovel or regular rake. Or maybe if you decide to leave some old poop there for her to lay on for softness and just clean the fresh stuff it might keep her cleaner if you put a horse blanket on her at night. Check the temps though. There are some blankets that are very light. They even call them sleezy sleepwear. It is thin and designed to keep show horses clean. Then there are regular horse blankets that shouldnt be left on in warmer weather or they will sweat under them and then get chilled when the weather cools off. A good rule is to put them on when the weather gets below 20 degrees. The important thing is that a horse does lay down and sleep enough. If the ground is too hard and the horse doesnt lay down it can effect their health too.
Even a little hint of thrush will stink pretty bad so don't worry too much just because you can smell it. If it is any consolation the trim you had done will go a long ways in helping the thrush to get better. It gets rid of the excess old hoof that traps the germs. You are doing what you can and I'm sure it will be enough if you stay consistent.
And yes, they are time consuming, There are four of us here and we have 20 to take care of. Really, I have no life other than the horses. And I sing to them all. One of my daughter's horses doesn't like to be sang to though. An ipod makes the time more fun for me. Most of them have their own Rock and roll song.
I wonder if it would be helpful if you put bleach in a pie pan and had her stand in it for 15 minutes or so one foot at a time of course. Or maybe a rubber feed pan? Then if you want it to be dried stand her on an old towel afterward to soak up the excess. Also to get her out and walk her on dry hard ground will help her work out some of the stink and toughen up her hooves a bit. If you have time.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2012 : 7:57:23 PM
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| Wow, what would I do without your advise. I like the idea of the bleach in a pan. And yes, I need to walk her around our yard (outside her fenced yard), but to be honest, I'm afraid she'll take off from me. But, I suppose she'll come back for food, especially her apples. I do clean out the barn and stall more than once daily, but she lays outside the barn door where I try hard to clean it and put fresh hay. She doesn't seem to like to sleep in the barn. My biggest concern is a cat who won't come down from the loft. She goes up and doesn't come down. My husband brought her down last weekend after she was up there a few days. He'll be back on Thurs. He forbids me to do the ladder since I've just got my knees back after two total knee replacements. I love farm life. I must be crazy like you'all. |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2012 : 08:40:11 AM
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Does she not know how to lead? The previous owner should be able to tell you. If she knows how to lead she shouldn't even try to get away from you. You should only have to be careful to not let her go like lay the rope down or something. Or if she gets loose from being tied. But, no, if she doesn't know how to lead and she gets away from you she probably won't come back easily. Maybe you could get somebody knowledgable about horses to take her out for you and help you get comfortable the first few times. Usually only totally untrained horses or babies will pull back and get away from you. Oh how I wish we were closer, it would be so easy to show you lots of cool little stuff. Basically, with leading, your position should be almost an arms length beside the horse and beside their head. Not behind or ahead. And the horse should respect your personal space at all times which is an arms length. She should stop when you stop and go when you go. You can invite her closer for a scratch or hug later once the respect is established, but to begin with they need to respect. And remember if she starts to push you around with her head the hardest part of the body is the elbow. A good jab to the side of her head should put a stop to it. And a good slap with the other end of the leadrope to the chest to get them to back off if needed. At least for a minute. Be consistent. You pay the bills and bring the food, don't let her become a bully by pushing you around. I say this because that is the worst problem that I see with people who want to be sweet and kind and their horses become totally unruly and no fun to be around. Even some experienced horse people that ride every day. And women are usually more apprehensive to get after the horse cause they are afraid the horse won't love them. But on the contrary they need to know where their place is and who they can look to for leadership. It's how they deal with each other in the field. And do be careful not to let the leadrope get wound up around your hand or arm or feet or neck so you don't get drug. I wish you could come stay with us for a week or so Janis. Maybe if you get out this way sometime we could do some quick lessons on horse handling. But you may be able to find someone there. It's just that there are so many people that are scammers or just really don't know what they are doing and don't really teach safety very well. Maybe my daughter could find someone in your area. She has connections with people all over that are barrel racers and might be able to find someone that will give a basic lesson on handling, and can be recomended by someone we know. I do know a young lady in Amherst VA. She works at a riding stable. I've never met her but my cousin knows her. I have no idea how close that is to you. VA to WV. If its like out here it's like 800 miles to the next state, but I know the states are a little closer out your way sometimes. Anyway feel free to call me or email me anytime. My email and number is on my website below. Sounds like you are doing a great job with her so far, she is a lucky girl.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2012 : 5:21:45 PM
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| At the rescue ranch they make sure the horses don't kick, and can be led, and if they are "normal" they must be able to be ridden before anyone can adopt. I think alot of things were left untaught to me because she was a polite horse, but she had poor self esteem. The problem of her nearly getting away was because I couldn't get the alter to fit right and I only used a lead rope. Mistake!! She is now cooperating on a lead rope with alter. Her self-esteem is much better. People ask if she is the same horse. She is thinking she is pretty special and I think that may make her a bit stubborn (like not picking up her foot when the farrier can do it with no problem.) I am working on the respect issue. The ranch trainer would always say to the horses, "Respect!". I know I am a softy but for her good I need to be tougher. I am getting more relaxed around her so I feel I can do that. I recently have made a friend with a women who knows horses well, and she is starting to help me. Tonight was a special time. Smokey stood still and let me massage and brush her for over a half hour. She was nearly hypnotized. I was playing Chrismas Carols. We both had a mystical experience. It seemed we were one. So special. Thanks for all your care, and yes if I am out your way, I will call ahead. I have been in NM several times and drove just about the whole state. A wild and wonderful place. And thats what they call WV. Freedom in the air is a special thing. |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2012 : 5:46:19 PM
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Wow, I admire your guts working with horses after 2 recent knee replacements. I am scheduling hip replacement for February and I have to tell you I am afraid of the pain during recovery. I have had other surgeries before, never a joint replacement, and it is really scary to me.
Right now I know I could not get on a horse to ride. I have a difficult time with the lawn tractor, the four-wheeler, and the JD Gator. The thought of getting on a live animal that might move under me as I swing my leg over gives me the willies.
Why don't you check out a local 4-H riding club? They would love to have an extra volunteer to help with the kids one or two days a month, and you might get the opportunity to learn from a local, experienced horse person. Talk to your county extension agent to find out who you could contact in your area.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blogs at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com (farming) http://brightmeadowknits.blogspot.com (knitting) or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1404 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1404 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2012 : 6:33:59 PM
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Brenda, I know what you mean about pain with the hip replacement. I have put off knee replacement for 8 years now and the pain hasn't gotten any worse nor any better. It is something I can live with. My personal opinion: Follow the physical therapy and live with the pain during that time because it will get better. Most folks I have talked with that have had joint replacement have said it's the best thing they had ever done for themselves.
Now as for Jan her horse, boy I don't know what I would do. Just having one of my grandfather's draft horses step on my foot when I was really young gave me a whole lot of respect for the animal.
All of the recommendations I have read here sound so good, and patience seems to run through all of them.
Betty in Pasco |
Edited by - Betty J. on Dec 11 2012 6:56:32 PM |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 06 2012 : 07:44:45 AM
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| My knee replacements have taken place in the last two years, one not yet a year, and I feel like I am a brand new person. I started doing yoga but couldn't get on the floor and now it's no problem at all. I guess at 61, I figure I have to live it up. It was a good 5 years that I needed a cane. I am told by everyone that knee surgery is much easier to go through. I personally don't know. But, if I was you, and were confident in my doctor, I'd go for it. Thanks for the recommendations concerning the 4-H. Great idea. Yes, patience, Betty is the key. I like to say the popular phrase, Stay Calm and Carry On. Jan in he Wild State of WV |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2012 : 9:07:20 PM
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2012 : 07:25:48 AM
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Oh I love this pic. You are both so beautiful and what a nice barn. Smokey has a gentle look about her, and she seems to be pretty happy with your company.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2012 : 6:42:55 PM
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I don't mean to sound critical, but if this is your first horse, it sounds like you need to attend a horse clinic or two or have a trainer come to your facility to help you. With basic ground work. Your horse should absolutely not be sleeping in poop. It leads to breathing problems, hoof problems, which you are experiencing, as well as paracite infestation. I don't mean to sound so negative, sorry. But for your safety, have someone who is reputable give you some lessons please. You need to be able to catch your horse without bribery (ie grain /treats) . Bribing a horse does not gain your horses respect. Subscribe to a horse magazine that is well rounded in various training areas. Horse illustrated is reasonably priced. There are natural horsemanship magazines as well and training DVDs that demonstrate this as well. Parelli is a good training series NA mm
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
Edited by - queenmushroom on Dec 11 2012 6:48:24 PM |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2012 : 6:53:08 PM
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(Darn android) anyway parelli is a good training program and focuses on natural horsemanship. So does Clinton Anderson Buck brannamen and Monty Roberts. Ground work is your most important area to focus on even if you never ride. Hope this helps some.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2012 : 03:57:29 AM
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So precious! Horseys are interesting creatures, aren't they? Is there a website for the rescue? I'd love to check it out! I would hope that they gave you all his paperwork history. If not, call and ask! I second the bleach plate idea. My horse also has a difficult time lifting up his back feet-I believe it's from trauma when he was younger and was a race horse (I can tell he had it rough before I got him) and when he starts acting up I have my husband go out there with me. I start lifting up the back feet and when my horse does it on his own and is POLITE about it, he gets a cookie and some nuzzles from my husband. When my horse has one of his off days (Which become more frequent as winter sets in=no time to ride due to weather!) this can take FOREVER it seems! Because once he does it right, I have him do it a few more times-and he always does them right & politely in a row. It's like he just needs a refresher course. LOL. Same thing with lunging one direction. I literally have to start him from the ground up going one direction. Walking him in a circle on the lead, slowly going to the center, yadda yadda yadda. But he's my boy, and I realize that I'm just as persnickity as he is! :)
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2012 : 04:00:26 AM
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I want to second queenmushroom's advice. It is imperitive that you learn how to properly handle a horse as well. Even if your horse is a non-riding lawn orament or pet!!!! Call local riding barns and see if you could do an internship-trade off working (Getting horses ready, etc.) for lessons-attend some extension office classes. It's a wonderful thing that you adopted a horse, but it's also a huge responsibility-you have to know what's safe and what's not safe, and how to spot problems!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2012 : 3:38:36 PM
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If you look at some of the posts before, Janis said she does have a friend that is coming out and helping her. She looks to me like she is doing fine. Clinton Anderson has some nice advice, Parelli is just a scammer and wants to guilt people out of money and free work. Like a lot of so called horse experts. It really isnt a bad thing for horses to lay on some poop if it isn't wet and fresh. This horse has had injuries and it may provide a nice cushion for her bones. She probably won't get anything from her own poop anyway, it's when horses are eating other horses wormy poop that they get sick. And yes horses eat some poop, it's good for their gut. But if one looks at the pic of Janis and Smokey the barn looks very nice and dry and clean, with lots of nice bedding. They both look happy to me. And Janis I know an old cowboy that had knee replacement surgery and I rode with him over a mountain once, a 7 hour ride and our butts were sore, but his knees felt fine. Most of the time knee replacement surgery works wonders for people. That's the reason to have it. I know many folk that have had it just so that they can continue to ride into their old age.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2012 : 7:48:50 PM
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Ok. I've put some thought into this reply. Everyone has their own training techniques and preferred training methods and preferred training gurus. I'm not going to debate that. You can only be guilted into something if you yourself allow it. Next regarding the life cycle of paracites...flies lay eggs in poop. The poop get strewed all over the fields stalls etc. Horse nibbles hay or dropped feed that happens to be on top of a contaminated fecal remanent and the life cycle of paracitism continues. You can have a paracite free horse when it gets to your barn with no other horses in the area. The horse can get paracites from flies and wild animals. If one wants additional padding for bedding then use straw.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
Edited by - queenmushroom on Dec 14 2012 7:57:04 PM |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2012 : 7:51:56 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by queenmushroom
Ok. I've put some thought into this reply. Everyone has their own training techniques and preferred training methods and preferred training gurus. I'm not going to debate that. You can only be guilted into something if you yourself allow it. Next regarding the life cycle of paparacites...flies lay eggs in poop. The poop get strewed all over the fields stalls etc. Horse nibbles hay or dropped feed that happens to be on top of a contaminated fecal remanent and the life cycle of paracitism continues. You can have a paracite free horse when it gets to your barn with no other horses in the area. The horse can get paracites from flies and wild animals. If one wants additional padding for bedding then use straw.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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newfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Janis
Baker
WV
101 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2012 : 7:35:10 PM
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Hi Megan- I just wanted you to know that the rescue ranch does not have a website, but is on FB. The name is Lazy C Large Animal Rescue Ranch. Also, as I have been re-reading some of my posts, I realize I have said currier for farrier, and alter for halter. Wow, I better get right with these new words of mine. I think I've been seeing too many Currier and Ives Christmas cards! Blessings on your holidays.
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Originally posted by walkinwalkoutcattle
So precious! Horseys are interesting creatures, aren't they? Is there a website for the rescue? I'd love to check it out! I would hope that they gave you all his paperwork history. If not, call and ask! I second the bleach plate idea. My horse also has a difficult time lifting up his back feet-I believe it's from trauma when he was younger and was a race horse (I can tell he had it rough before I got him) and when he starts acting up I have my husband go out there with me. I start lifting up the back feet and when my horse does it on his own and is POLITE about it, he gets a cookie and some nuzzles from my husband. When my horse has one of his off days (Which become more frequent as winter sets in=no time to ride due to weather!) this can take FOREVER it seems! Because once he does it right, I have him do it a few more times-and he always does them right & politely in a row. It's like he just needs a refresher course. LOL. Same thing with lunging one direction. I literally have to start him from the ground up going one direction. Walking him in a circle on the lead, slowly going to the center, yadda yadda yadda. But he's my boy, and I realize that I'm just as persnickity as he is! :)
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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Edited by - newfarmgirl on Dec 18 2012 06:57:03 AM |
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AliciaNak
True Blue Farmgirl
405 Posts
Alicia
Elko
Nevada
USA
405 Posts |
Posted - Dec 20 2012 : 2:06:40 PM
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I wouldn't freak out over the horse laying in poop. Annoying, Yes. Freak out, Nope.
Provide all the straw/shavings you want, clean out all the droppings you can find every 5 minutes, but some horses get their own habits, and she may just wait until you leave to poo and lay in it later.
Do what you can and don't freak out over the small details. They are no where near as fragile as we make them out to be!
I'm glad to see that you have an experienced friend helping you. Keep on learning from her, as seeing things first hand and experiencing just how to do something are the best teachers!
Contacting the 4-H is also a very good tip! I teach horse judging and horsemanship classes with my local 4-H, grew up in area 4-H and learned a ton from the older horsemen/women of the area. You might find a horse crazy, very knowledgeable 4-Her that just can't afford a horse right now.
Personally, I like John Lyons as a clinician/teacher and his methods as far as training.
Alicia
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.~Ralph Waldo Emmerson
www.blondenak.blogspot.com
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wincrestnubians
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Jennifer
Ohio
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - Dec 23 2012 : 4:16:41 PM
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I didnt read over every response to your post, but I have raised trained and broke many horses and breeds in my life. When you ask her to lift her hoof, use your hoof pick. Do not gab it or dig it into her, but use the tip to apply pressure to the area of her ergot, which is the little hardend spot sort of like her chestnuts. This will cause her to pick up her hoof to get away from the pressure you are appling. Eventually she will give you her hoof when you slide you hand down her leg. If she hasnt been handled much, be careful she doesnt kick you with the hind feet. Good luck, and remember to not let her learn to push you around. Teach her you are boss, or youwill have a very big animal who has no repsect for you. Good luck and I hope this helds you. Oh, and when messing with the back feet it is best to have her tied when you do so. That is if you dont have anyone to help you. :)
Only those with an open mind can learn from ones own mistakes. |
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Barnyard Buddies: Horse refussal to lift foot |
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Horse refussal to lift foot
