Finally got a tricky draft horse to stand still for a full trim

Last week, I was working on a big Belgian named Gus out at the Miller farm. He used to dance around so much I could barely get one foot done. This time, I spent about ten minutes just talking to him and letting him sniff my tools before I even picked up a hoof. By the end, he stood calm for all four feet and the owner said it was the best he's ever been. Anyone have other tricks for real nervous draft types?

2 comments

2 Comments

leo_lopez23h ago

My Percheron needs a peppermint bribe first.

jade_lane20h ago

Oh, careful with that. Peppermints can actually make some horses choke, the oil is too strong for them. A plain old sugar cube or a carrot works way better as a bribe.