Madonna is just great when you pick her left front leg and her back legs. But she has some frustrating hangup with her front right leg. She just refuses to have it picked - no matter how firm and strong one tries to be when holding the leg she uses all her strength to put it down and generally I have to give up after a few attempts (as do most people). It gets kind of unnerving having her slam that leg down full force. The stable does not seem to think there is a particular issue with any pain etc.
Why might she be doing this other than pain etc.? Real question is what tricks are there to build trust etc. and reassure her so that over time I will eventually be able to pick this hoof? Any positive reinforcment tricks etc.? I realize it may take awhile to condition her to accept this but I am willing to put in the time and effort. Being firm with her and trying again and again just don't seem to work.
Why might she be doing this other than pain etc.? Real question is what tricks are there to build trust etc. and reassure her so that over time I will eventually be able to pick this hoof? Any positive reinforcment tricks etc.? I realize it may take awhile to condition her to accept this but I am willing to put in the time and effort. Being firm with her and trying again and again just don't seem to work.