As hoofcare providers working with a 1000lb animal’s feet, making appointments as uneventful as possible is often the goal. We want calm, comfortable, happy horses, and calm, safe, and happy humans. Unfortunately, not all horses are calm and comfortable for their farrier appointments, which can make the entire situation stressful for all involved.
I spoke with Adele Shaw, international mentor, trainer, and creator of The Willing Equine podcast, about how owners can prepare horses for their hoofcare appointments to ensure it’s a successful and safe appointment each time. We talk about the various approaches to training, how owners can help horses to be ready to hold their feet up for extended periods of time, how to help horses with a history of “farrier phobia,” and more.
