Posted by Chuck Reed on November 07, 2003 at 09:10:42:
In Reply to: Re: Trimming BLM Horse posted by John Barney on October 22, 2003 at 11:43:45:
: : : : : Peggy,
: : : : : I have responded to your questions below.
: : : : : : We will bring home a 3yr BLM gelding Saturday. His feet desperately need trimming. He has been gentled by the previous owners and the people have done a lot of work with him. He has had his feet done several times in the last year. My farrier is 65 yrs old and is need of shoulder surgery and I won't but him at risk. What can we except from this horse?
: : : : : > Peggy, you just walked into a -very- dangerous situation if you are asking this question. My first question is what experience do you have with horses? I truly hope you won't say , "none".
: : : : : Should we work with him awhile before having someone experienced with wild horses trim him?
: : : : : >Not without professional assistance.
: : : : : His front hooves are so long they are breaking off. Previous owner says his hooves grow very fast and they acknowledged they had not had it done in several months.
: : : : : > B.S. this is called neglect and is very, very irresponsible. Why couldn't the horse be trimmed in several months? You better ask the previous owners quickly before even considering asking someone to attempt trimming.
: : : : :
: : : : : Is there a special trim for these wild horses?
: : : : : > No, the internal structures are the same and needs to be balanced in refference to them. This will vary from person to person. It's not a good idea to tell a Farrier how they should trim all it will do is blow up in your face.
: : : : : : Thanks.
: : : : Jim, thanks for your response. We do have horse experience but our quarterhorse is 20+ years old and is well trained. I also raise large donkeys so I do know about problems when trimming for the first time etc. Been the twitch route etc. I also know it is BS about the trimmings but all of the horses looked a little long. (They are selling all the horses they own and moving out of the country) We do plan on having this horses training completed by a professional in our area that works solely with these wild horses. I will call them and see if they have a recommendation on a local farrier. My concern is for the horse in the present condition. Shouldn't his feet be first priorty? Thanks.
: : : Peggy,
: : : If this horse has been handled and trimmed regularly for a year (although a lapse of several months seems to take a good bit out of the year), it shouldn't be a problem, but let your farrier know that you're uncertain of the horse and if there is any problem you don't want a battle and you're willing to resort to a veterinarian and drugs so you can send him to a trainer with feet in decent conditions.
: : : Jack (a 65 year-old farrier)
: : Peggy, I have trimmed several of these horses, everything from very flighty to very well mannered. It is important that before you have your farrier come out that your horse gets use to its new home and trust you. These horses are more flight than fight. Work with his feet and touch all over go slow and easy and do everything you can to gain its trust, when he comes up to you with no trouble and is relaxed with you holding him then I think that is a good sign. Be carefull, when there scared, it don't take much for them to have the urge to run and they act fast. As far as type of trim, no different than any other horse, leave that up to your farrier. Good luck, take your time, don't rush or make fast movements, as he gets use to things you can add more noise and pressure to get him use to more and more and over time your horse will be good and trust you more and more. If you need help, then contact anyone that knows Natural horsemenship or has experience with Wild Mustangs. The key is they trust you and have good experiences.
: : Phil
: I agree with Phil. I have two clients with mustangs and they have gotten better with time. A pony size one likes to pull alittle and a full size one likes to lean. These horses used to try to run, bolt, etc but were never agressive. They know now that I am not hurting them and trust me. It just takes time, every day contact by you. They will be very loyal horses once you win their trust.
: JB
Maybe I'm too late to do you any good. Someone earlier said it in so many words, these are just horses as regards their hoof structure and trim/balance needs. There is one little difference in handling if they grew up in the wild. If they grew up in the wild, they learned to navigate rough terrain, not flat surfaces. Survival was dependant on keeping control of all four feet. As with any horse, they must learn that they can indeed stand on three legs without falling down. It can require a bit more patience and attention to get to this point and can be easier to dig a hole that is hard to get out of. On the other hand, if they were caught as babies, before they had really learned their way of going, they will just need the regular trust treatment.