dbuddy13

We recently bought an 8 YO 1800 pound draft horse that the previous owners had since birth. They never worked on his feet (not a trim or shoeing....ever). Needless to say, he needs a trimming soon. I've had horses all my life, and I work with mine a lot so they are good with their feet. In my experience, horses with a little time and patience can learn to have their feet handled. This guy won't let us hold them for more than a couple seconds. He is too big to force him to hold up his foot. I've had people say to tranquilize him, or get some draft shoeing stocks, etc. I've been told that draft horses can be shoed/trimmed with out stocks like reg. sized horses.

My question is for you Draft horse owners, ferriers, vets, etc. Can you give me some tips to try with him before we take more drastic measures like getting a vet involved, use a tranquilizer, buying stocks etc. The regular tricks and training techniques I use aren't working. I realize it will take time and patience. Just wondering if there are any alternative thoughts.

I have been riding for 25 years so I just want to know about techniques/suggestions about correcting the BEHAVIOR that I've never had to deal with. Please don't say see a vet or shoer I've done both. He is healthy and sound with the exception of some corrective shoeing.

BACKGROUND INFO:

I recently (2 months ago) bought a QH gelding. The owners didn't know much about horses and kept his hoof trimmed toe short and heel long. SO he was up on his toes. I've been working with a shoer on this problem to correct it. The shoer says it will just take time to get his feet grown out.

PROBLEM:

This horse paws at the ground. Not when tied, just in his stall. Because his feet are so short I don’t ride him with out shoes (because of the general type of riding I do, I prefer to keep shoes on them). He paws with one hoof so much the shoe comes off with in 2-3 days after the shoer comes out. So I’ve resulted in getting a boot for that foot so he can at least be exorcized. I worry his hoof will not grow out because he paws so much. I live in a snowy area and will not leave a boot on all the time because the moisture in the boot can create problems.

I need your suggestions/ideas on how to correct the behavior in his stall. Things I’ve tried: a jolly ball for his stall (toy) and a stall mate to keep him from being bored, plenty of exorcize, correct amount of food.

In all my years of riding and dozens of horses, with all kinds of problems, I’ve never had to deal with this. Please help.

I drive automatic 2004 Mazda 3. It is stuck in 3 gear. I tried the manual shift it has and that did nothing, it just stayed in 3rd. Can anyone tell me what this means? What do I need to do?

PLEASE HELP!