Basiclly that's it Doris - there are no shortcuts that work...no snake oil.
I worked out 2 things - he had big issues balancing himself and that needed setting him up to be balanced before taking his leg up, and he couldn't stand on one leg for very long becuase of the problems I mentioned earlier - a square of camping mat solved that.
But lots of approach and retreat, not keeping the foot when he wanted it back (perfectly reasonable request really if you feel you are going to fall over...why do some farriers just need to have that fight?!), finding bargaining points like I'll scratch your heels if you give me your foot, and just getting him to the point of trusting.
It sounds like flicka has landed on his feet when he came to you. It's so nice to hear that he's not being beaten up to get his feet trimmed.
Brusea i used to have a farrier who liked to use the rasp or hammer (whatever was in his hand) to try to get my horse to stand still. I couldn't get it through to him that the more he hit her the worse she would behave. I looked around for a new farrier and eventually found one who was fantastic with my horses. He would talk to them instead of hitting . My horses behaviour changed so quickly with him doinf her .
Likwewise - the last farrier I used for the final year that he had shoes was a guy called Ron Aiken - he has TB's of his own and he is a good horseman in his own right. Made a big difference to haev soemone who worked with us and was patient. _________________ http://www.4hooves.co.uk http://4hoovesblog.spaces.live.com/default.aspx
My mare was scared of her own shadow when I got her. I also had to re-train her to pick feet up and as horsesfirst's mare, she will also pick them up when I point. Quite sad really, she will actually pick them up in order when I show her the hoof pick. We do it untied and if she isnt able to stand on 3 legs where she is, she will move - I just follow !!!!!
The gelding on the other hand isnt quite so clever and a little naughty. Mares are so sensitive I would chose one over a gelding anyday. I can almost read her mind.
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. My horses behaviour changed so quickly with him doinf her 