My horse struggles to stand for the farrier - how can I help?
Short answer
Start by ruling out pain. Then build tolerance gradually through consistent, low-pressure handling practice between farrier visits.
Standing quietly is a trained skill — not something horses automatically know how to do.
Real-Life Example
If your horse pulls their foot away every few seconds, leans heavily, or fidgets constantly during trimming, the farrier is forced to rush, brace, or work defensively.
Instead of waiting until the next appointment, you practice daily:
Picking up each foot briefly
Asking for short periods of stillness
Rewarding calm, balanced weight shifts
Increasing duration slowly
Five minutes a day can change the next visit dramatically.
It Depends
Difficulty standing may stem from:
Hoof pain or sole sensitivity
Long trim cycles creating discomfort
Hock, stifle, or back soreness
Weak postural muscles or poor balance
Prior negative experiences
Lack of conditioning to weight-bearing positions
Research shows that pain and physical discomfort significantly influence avoidance behaviors in horses. (Dyson, Equine Veterinary Education)
Learning theory also supports short, consistent sessions using clear cues and release-based reinforcement to improve compliance. (McLean & Christensen, Applied Animal Behaviour Science)
If holding a limb is physically uncomfortable, training alone will not solve it.
When to Seek Guidance
Pause and seek professional evaluation if:
Your horse suddenly refuses a foot they previously tolerated
There is heat, digital pulse, or visible hoof soreness
They consistently snatch or collapse a limb
Behavior escalates rather than improves
Address pain first. Then implement consistent retraining.
Farrier readiness is part of preventative care — not a separate training issue.
Preparing your horse to safely receive hoof care protects:
The horse
The farrier
Anyone who may need to handle them in an emergency
Sources
Dyson, S. (2011–2020). Pain-related behavior in horses. Equine Veterinary Education.
McLean, A., & Christensen, J. (2017). Application of learning theory in horse training. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
