When I visit my clients’ properties for a routine hoof trim we typically work in the horse’s natural environment, the paddock. I’m often asked by the handler, where should they stand during a hoof trimming? I really appreciate clients asking me this, as it’s of vital importance to ensure everyone’s safety – the handler, trimmer and the horse.
There are four simple directions that I ask my handlers to follow during a hoof trimming service.
1. Maintain the horse’s focus
As the handler, your role is very important as it requires maintaining the focus of the horse throughout the trim. I find most horses are incredibly receptive to the handlers and if the handler moves their attention away from the horse, the horse will instantly realise their handler is not providing direction and it will find it elsewhere or become distracted.
Common circumstances where this distraction occurs include:
- answering a mobile phone,
- asking the kids to be quiet,
- giving the lead-rope to another person,
- giving instructions to another horse in the near vicinity, or
- even just wandering off in their own thoughts.
As the trimmer, we can feel this distraction instantly through the horse’s body even though it is incredibly subtle and light. When this happens, the horse may become rigid, move weight, wander off, take off, or even kick the trimmer.
It’s really important to remain focused and concentrate on the horse. I really appreciate a dedicated and focused handler and so does the horse.
2. Stand on the trimmer’s side for the hind legs
For the trimmer’s safety it is really important that the handler stand on the trimmer’s side of the horse when the hind legs are being trimmed. This allows for the horse to have both of us in view with the one eye rather than switching or flicking the head between the two eyes.
If the handler is on my side and the horse moves forward then the hind-quarters of the horse tend to swing away from the me and keep me safe. Whereas, if the handler was on my opposite side and the horse moves forward then the horse gets between us both and the hind-quarters moves in front of the me and places me in danger. I would rather the handler be on my side and the hose move sideways (doesn’t feel trapped) rather than the other alternative.
In addition to this, wait until I have finished and have moved away from the hind end before changing sides in preparation for the next hoof to be trimmed.
3. Stand on the trimmer’s side for the front legs, but check first
The positioning of the handler during the front leg trimming can change depending on how the horse is presenting. Before we get started on the front legs, always ask your trimmer where to stand and use the ‘same side as me’ as a default.
4. Always follow your trimmer’s directions
When in doubt, the default position is to always follow your trimmer’s directions. I don’t mind explaining something a few times, if it keeps us all safer and happier.
Find out how I can help you care for your horse’s hooves. If you have a particular question, contact me.