Hello again, I am back for more expert advice. :)

I had the farrier come out and boy did he trim a lot (no shoes). Wyoming's feet looked great when he was done. He has me painting his hoofs(cracks) with hoof heal. That's all good .... the problem is Wyoming will let me pick up all four feet fine, but as soon as I pick it up he puts it right back down. If I am fast enough I can knock out the big pieces of mud but even sometimes I don't get anything. He does not try to kick or bite he just doesn't want me cleaning his feet. 

Help. 

 

The problem may be the way you are holding his foot. Make sure you have one hand under the coronary band and the ankle joint and don't let it flex too far back. Also lean into him with your shoulder to cue him to lean on his other three feet. You probably should also step over the foot and support it with the inside thigh of your outside leg like the farrier does. If you are tentative about holding the leg or don't give it enough support the horse will be uncomfortable and want his feet back. ~FH

Great I will try that tonight, I may be flexing it too much like you said. I do try to lean into him but he shifts his weight consistantly and stands funny when ever he knows I am trying to clean his feet. I have tried to square him up and try to repeat it but he gets in this stride position where I know he is not balanced....it works for HIM everytime. I guess too I should ask, how often should I be cleaning his feet. Right now we are very wet and muddy there is not any rock or gravel just mud. Thank you so much for replying.

I should have also asked yesterday for some help on introductions. I am purchasing 2 horses in 2 weeks that have been pasture mates (9yo Gelding and 10 y/o Mare in foal), my current horse Wyoming I purchased August 1st and he has been alone since then. He came from a consignment stable and before that a home with multiple horses. Any ideas on introducing everyone????

Thanks Linda

lboberrender:

Any ideas on introducing everyone????

I usually keep them separated and let them bump noses over a fence for 24 hours. Horses have an introduction ritual where they exchange breath through their nostrils. That's how they recognize each other. That's usually followed by some squealing, head tossing and occasional kicks where the first one to yield space takes a lower position in the herd order. There's no way around that because it's an inherent instinctive response, not only to "new" horses but even one they should know who has been gone for a few days or even just a few hours on a ride. Even keeping them separated for several days will not avoid it. I'd probably introduce the mare first to see if there's any aggression that might cause injury to the fetus. If so, keep her separate. Then let the two geldings sort things out on their own. If any of them are shod I'd pull their shoes before putting them together, too. ~FH

Thank you, Linda