Stop Blaming Age for Bad Farrier Behavior

A horse’s age should never be used as an excuse for poor behavior during farrier appointments. Foals can begin learning to stand quietly and pick up their feet within days of being born. Yes, young horses may struggle with balance at first, but with consistency, patience, and regular handling, they quickly learn what is expected of them. Likewise, older horses don’t get a free pass for bad manners simply because they’ve gotten away with them for years. Standing respectfully, lifting their feet when asked, and cooperating with routine care are skills that should be taught and maintained throughout a horse’s life. Your farrier’s job is to trim and shoe horses—not to train them. Expecting a farrier to wrestle with an unhandled, disrespectful, or poorly prepared horse is unfair and can put both horse and farrier at risk of injury. Good farrier manners are part of responsible horse ownership. Take the time to teach your horse how to stand quietly, balance appropriately, and willingly offer each foot. Your horse will be safer, your farrier will be safer, and the entire experience will be better for everyone involved. There is no excuse for poor manners. Do better for your horse, and do better for your farrier. This is Sloan’s second farrier appointment and she is less than 3 months old. #FarrierLife #Farrier #HorseTraining #Horsemanship #EquineEducation #HorseHandling #HorseCare #EquineCare #HorseOwner #ResponsibleHorseOwnership #GroundManners #HorseManners #YoungHorseTraining #FoalTraining #EquestrianLife #Equestrian #HorseCommunity #HoofCare #BarefootHorse #FarrierVisit #EquineWelfare #HorseSafety #RespectTheProfession #TrainYourHorse #BetterHorsemanship