biting and kicking
- Thread starter Shyanne
- Start date
As the owner of a horse that I couldn't control or do anything with a few months ago, I would echo that you need help. Getting professionals in to help me was the best thing I ever did for both myself and my horse.
Definitely get some experienced help, for safety’s sake.
If she’s that sore look at diet and management, are they contributing to the thrush; sugary feeds will, as will dirty living conditions, metabolic conditions like ppid can too.
Consider what medication you are putting on them, some can really sting and make them sorer if it’s a bad case of thrush, don’t use bleach, even some things sold specifically for thrush are so strong they flinch at them. Don’t scrub/pick too aggressively either.
Try a soak so you don’t have to get in too close, a one off cleantrax is the gold standard as far as I’m concerned, but you may find a 50:50 apple cider vinegar:water mix used twice daily quite effective, or something else gentle in a foot bath.
When you can safely handle the feet use red horse products, they’re gentle and soothing but also highly effective at killing thrush.
If she’s that sore look at diet and management, are they contributing to the thrush; sugary feeds will, as will dirty living conditions, metabolic conditions like ppid can too.
Consider what medication you are putting on them, some can really sting and make them sorer if it’s a bad case of thrush, don’t use bleach, even some things sold specifically for thrush are so strong they flinch at them. Don’t scrub/pick too aggressively either.
Try a soak so you don’t have to get in too close, a one off cleantrax is the gold standard as far as I’m concerned, but you may find a 50:50 apple cider vinegar:water mix used twice daily quite effective, or something else gentle in a foot bath.
When you can safely handle the feet use red horse products, they’re gentle and soothing but also highly effective at killing thrush.
I agree with everything that's been said. (1) You need experienced, ideally professional, help. (2) A soak may be easier for both of you.
Pain or not, kicking ant biting is not necessary, nor is it allowable. If you don't know how to properly correct it, get someone to help you. The more you allow this, the more difficult it is to break. Maybe some bute a couple of hours before you start messing with her feet may help as well, but there's still no reason to allow the behavior.
Someone on the front end, rewarding the good behaviour. Little steps. Every day.
Set her up to succeed not to have a fight.
Set her up to succeed not to have a fight.
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