best way to calm a differcult horse [never used to be]?

I definitely agree with you that this horse should not be sedated- as this will make it so that not only is he more alarmed at possible changes in his body position, people moving around him, etc. but his reactions will be unpredictable and more violent and dangerous as well.

That being said, I would do the best that you can to get a lot of people moving around him and just touching him, stroking him, giving him goodies, etc. so that he sees many strangers and learns all strangers aren't bad. I would also, if you didn't already, let your farrier know in advance what has been going on.

Also evaluate his feed ratios- if he is getting a lot of grain, it would be a good idea to cut it. And pick up his legs, move them all around, and hold them the same as the farrier would, tap his feet, etc.

Finally, for my mare, who can be very touchy sometimes, I have noticed there are a few herbs that help, just like in people. Valerian root (note that this herb is illegal in USEF competitions) is a relaxant and doesn't sedate the horse but it does help the horse become more relaxed in situations that make it edgy. It is given about 30mins to 1 hr in order to go into effect and then lasts for about 1-2 hrs. The horse may look sleepy when it is given but can still be on full alert and have full muscular control without the dangers present in sedation. The only caveat is that the dose needs to be precise to work- too much or too little has little effect on the horse's nerves.

Other herbs that deserve mentioning are chamomile, which has a slight calming effect and also is a muscular relaxant, and raspberry leaves (mare magic) which also seem to take the edge off of "studdy" geldings. Calm and Cool paste (I think there is also a powder blend) also may be a good move for your horse- it is herbal and doesn't sedate the horse either. These alternatives are also easy to give to the horse- add to beet pulp, alfalfa pellets (soaked first), molasses, or apple sauce, and voila! all gone.

I have to agree with the separation. Yes, horses may be social animals, but YOU need to be his friend, not the horses across the street. You need a barn and pasture that is not in veiw of, or whinny distance of another horse. They used to call it 'barn sour' when a horse would get so far from home, alone, and run back. We had a stud pony that would do this, and NOTHING would stop that turkey. I would pull his head around to where his muzzle was against my knee and he still ran a straight line!! We had him cut and it helped some. If you were riding in a paddock and he threw you, how did he get out to be with the other horses? Close the gate, thats what it is there for!! Do ground work with him, keep him busy and under control. Bring him treats and make friends with him.

First, glad the boy is better.

What he is experiencing is pain memory. Horses have a very long pain memory. He knows that that leg hurt whenever it was touched. You have started the process of healing for him. Now that you have a farrier that knows him and he knows, he may test him, but it will be easier.

You still have to stand strong and not allow him to get by with the naughty behavior and reinforce the good. Keep a couple of mints or his favorite treat so that he can be rewarded for not responding to the memory.

You are right not to sedate him. He has gone through so much. What you could consider if he is still at all ouchy, give him some bute under vet recommendation to filter that pain :)

Good Luck.

I have had 2 of my geldings with issues, one had a infection on his tongue (we have no idea how he cut his tongue) and spent a few weeks with the vet poking his tongue. Before his infection he would allow you to open his mouth and pull his tongue out of the way but in the end the vet had to use the brace. He got to the point where he would rear up if you touched his mouth, but thanks to lost of slow patient work of rubbing near his mouth but start away from the scary spots and treating him if he didn't react, then getting closer and ignoring when he reacted and then restarting again. Plus having an understanding vet who happily did the same when he comes to check him. He now no longer needs the brace every time.

The other is my very hairy cob who is prone to ear infections, purely because of the amount of hair he has in his ears. He was very head shy and the vet we had at the time always refused to treat him unless he was sedated which is why we changed, but again working slowly with him lots of treats and I can now have him tidied up with only a head collar and trim the hair in his ears and treat them, although it hasn't been needed for a year or so now.

Just make sure the professional who's working with your horse is willing to listen to you and follow you lead you know your horses best and what he needs for a safe calm.

That's too bad. He is most likely just scared of people touching his legs because of his bad experience, kind of like some horses are head shy because they get hit in the face. I'm not an expert on horses but I have been working with them for a number of years. I would recommend that you just keep picking up his feet and messing with them yourself and then have someone else the horse knows touch his legs and try to pick up his feet, too. Maybe he only trusts you because you are his rider. There may be a possibility the horse just doesn't like men, too. I knew a horse who was perfect for a woman but would chase down a man.

thats sad...but i say continue to work with him. touch him all over. have someone else that your horse doesnt know (like a friend of yours) to visit him and pet him. try to get your horse to understand that ppl arent so bad. while the friend is petting the horse you could pick his feet.

i dont think there is alot you can do. my horse is pretty picky about who he lets near him...he doesnt like big guys. and im the only one who can touch under his stomach and such. and im the only one who can walk up to him in a pasture.

so i guess the only real advise i can give is just try to have several different ppl around your horse to get him to not be such a one man horse.

i hope this helps! and good luck :)