Gentle Hoof

New Patreon video available: https://www.patreon.com/Davidlandreville The focus on this video is on the handling...and the trimming that makes the handling easi...er. The previous farrier was sedating and using cross ties. This is the 4th trim I’ve put on this horse and his second trim at liberty. The way to succeed with at liberty trims is the following...every time you pick up the foot do something that makes them feel better. Eventually ( some quicker than others ) they figure out you are helping and they will stand for you and start communicating with you through their feet. This is where you build trust. The trust is what makes things go well, but it doesn’t change the following: Trimming is hard work. Trimming a drafty is even harder. Trimming a drafty that’s afraid is dangerous and exhausting. The previous farrier wanted to make it as easy as possible...for himself. He stole this horse’s voice He tied up this horse He drugged this horse He did as little as possible on the feet and then collected his money Horses do have an opinion about how their feet are done and they need to be able to tell you how they feel about the job that you are doing. When I trim at liberty If the horse walks off I don’t panic. They are checking out the work. When I’m first working on a horse they will often go in a circle around me and then come back. Sometimes they walk off a little way and wait. If the feet have improved they will want to see what comes next. Sometimes they have been living with discomfort/lameness for years. Sometimes the relief really surprises them and they will turn around and look at me with that how did you do that look. That always gets to me. Every time. If your horse is fighting off your farrier please listen to what they are saying. They know how their feet feel. Their feet mean life or death in the wild and in the domestic world. In the wild it’s a lion...in the stables it’s being sold down the line/ending up at an auction/or euthanasia. Some horses will fight to keep someone away that is messing up their feet, and some will run, and some have been taught to accept whatever humans do to them. I want to give them a voice.

Jack and Jill went missing July 1st 2017. I suspect they were stolen as there was never a trace of them anywhere. I haven't given up hope that one day I will fi...nd them. Jack is the short hair gelded male. He would be roughly 9 now I believe. Jill is the long hair female she would be roughly 8 I believe. They were not tame enough that they would walk up to you unless a quick treat snach was involved. But once caught they so sweet. I live 7kms west of High River on Coal Trail. I notified all usual law enforcement, rescues, vet clinics, and brand inspector (they had no brands) at the time. No one ever heard anything. I don't necessarily have to have them back but I would like to know that they are safe and cared for. See more

New clients I met today. They were all haltered and ready for me Aren’t they just the sweetest!

Gentle Hoof has 100 followers!!! Wow!!!