advice needed re: goofy feet dance

[TBgrl]

Hello crew

Well it seems I have a real question for you all.
First some background. Tb gelding 18 years old , neglected for 3 years out in the field, getting minimal care and nutrition. On his way to be shipped a rider we know took him to try him out , trying to save him, but thought he was too much horse for her. Long story short hes ours now, we decided not to send him back home. Turns out he has pretty nice manners, and learns quickly. I do the most of his daily care ( he is above my riding ability at the moment, and forget worming)

Question : When I pick up his feet, he behaves perfect for all three , but when I get to the last one (off hind) he steps away and gets all nervous and concerned, running away from me and generally acting very silly. The farrier ruled out soreness, as I told him I was having this problom. How do I go about correcting this behavior problom (?) This horse is a project and I prefer natural methods or at least training methods that don't envolve extreme violence and aggression.

Thanks for reading, if you have any suggestions please help>

from Susan

[Dizzy]

The problem not forced to be in his foot, could be higher up, even his back.

Good luck with him

Lesley

[RoxR]

Is it just when you pick up the foot, or when you near the leg? You could try having someone hold up a front foot while you just try to touch the sore leg, and get his confidence that you're not trying to hurt him. Do it gradually and reward him for standing still by removing the pressure on him by moving away. Only when he is not afraid for you to go up to it and run your hands down the leg then try picking it up.

Hope this helps!

[KarlR]

I had a problem picking out my horses feet, one foot in particular.

It turned out to be a back problem - after treatment he started letting me do it although it took some time before he was fully okay about it.

Try to relax him then just lift the foot a few inches (behind, not to the side) then put it down. Praise, repeat. Increase height and time lifted as he improves.

[TBgrl]

Hello and thank-you

It is when I get to the last foot. I start with the near side fore leg , then go to the near hind leg( no problom ) then I go to the off side for leg and its fine as well, but when I get to the off side fore leg, I can stand there but as I run my hand down his hind leg he steps away. He continues to step away until he is at the fence. Meanwhile I can see the whites of his eyes, and his head is up. Also I did not mention that the times I did this I was picking out the feet and then applying a hoof treatment to the frog. The farrier seems to think its a habit hes gotten into, but I'm wondering why its only on that last hoof. His owner suggested positioning him along the fence so he wouln't have anywhere to go. I'm not sure about it.

thanks susan

[Piaffe]

You have to ask yourself why just this one leg.

Have you tried starting with that leg? If he lets you start with this leg and there is no reaction - he's playing up, but I do doubt it.

As others have said, it seems as though there is a problem elsewhere. Sore leg, mud fever, sore point on back/pelvic joint etc.

Horses don't normally react like this without good reason.

I certainly wouldn't force him up against a fence - for a start this could endanger you - as well as the horse.

[TBgrl]

Hi

Thanks piaffe, today I tried starting with that leg and he seemed normal, let me pick it up no problom. So I'll do this a few times until he is comfortable and then progress to include other feet.
I do think that I will suggest chiro.

We'll try again tommorrow and just keep positive.

from Susan