It works, so far!

I started with the simplest bit of advice I was given about working with Libby's back feet... the first one mentioned in the previous post. On my asking-for-advice post, someone left a comment saying the same thing:

"Make sure the horse is balanced to start with, then you ask for the foot for 1 second - YOU put it down. 2 seconds, 4 seconds, etc, and work your way up to a minute or so. The decision to put the foot down is ALWAYS yours. Spending some time each day working this way should help to solve the problem."

So I tied her, used the pick on her front hooves, and then picked up a back foot and instantly let it down, praising her profusely. Then the other back foot. Back and forth I went, counting to two before letting it down, then four. By the end of the session I was actually able to pick her hooves with the hoof pick (hastily, because I wanted to be the one to decide when her foot was going down).

I'm partially at fault for her behavior, because I haven't faithfully handled her each day like I should have. It was so awfully hot for so much of the summer that I dreaded doing anything, but I know that's an excuse; it's just easy to put things off, that's all. I'm making a new resolution to handle Libby's feet every day. It only takes ten minutes or so.

And for Guy, who also left a comment with advice: if it turns out to be a balance problem, I will surely try your advice. In fact, I need to be putting all four of her feet up on something once in awhile so she'll be used to it when the farrier comes. Thanks for reminding me.

my horses