While the farrier is not responsible for the training of a horse, he or she can certainly pass along some valuable techniques to the horse owner. Stressing the importance of safe trimming and shoeing and giving owners something to work on in the few weeks between trims may improve your next visit.

A horse owner will appreciate any help he or she can get from the farrier. They want your visit to be stress-free for their horse and want it to be safe for you.

They need to learn desensitizing techniques by using flags and ropes along the legs, belly, hind quarters, etc. Taking a half hour to work on training techniques may equal the time it takes to fight the horse that won’t stand still, pulls his feet away, rears up or kicks. This kind of owner training will make it a lot less tiring and physically easier for you to handle the hoof-care work. Using these techniques with a new horse may also help pinpoint a problem area before you actually get to it.

Here are some suggestions from Summit Roundtable attendees to help your clients do a better job of preparing their horses for hoof-care work.

1. Putting the horse at ease by your demeanor and approaching the horse in an unthreatening manner…