Cowboy is still setting back when tied up. Sometimes it’s discouraging and I forget that we’re making progress because he pulls back with so much energy.
However, I had an epiphany today! I think he might be “claustrophobic” when he’s tied up and I begin to work with his feet.
I’ve been going through a pendulum of good and bad days trying to help Cowboy relax and allow his feet to be held and cleaned. Occasionally it’s been an exasperation of my patience, but I’m always amazed by Cowboy’s gentle disposition and quickness to let me know that he wants to do a good job.
Moving forward I think I’m going to break down my goals into three different exercises.
- Cleaning feet daily on a lead rope with feet held openly.
- Daily attempts at allowing his front feet to be supported and “locked in the jaws of my giant human horse trap” 😂
- Helping him relax while being tied up so that he won’t be so quick to setting back.
All of these things coincide with my estimation that he’s had some unpleasant experiences with farriers. I know from my limited experience with local farriers that it can be hard to find someone who is patient and wants to have a win-win scenario that allows the horse to succeed.
So we will take it one step at a time and in the coming months I hope we can have new habits established!