That time a draft horse in Bend tried to 'help' me with his shoe

I was working on a big Percheron named Gus at a ranch near Bend, Oregon, and he decided to grab the rasp out of my hand with his teeth mid-job. He just held it there, looking at me like he was checking the work. I had to trade him a carrot for it back. Ever since then, I keep a pocket full of treats for the 'helpful' ones. Anyone else have a horse that thinks they're an apprentice?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_holly3d ago

Oh man, I used to think letting them hold a tool was a bad habit. But after my old gelding started carefully taking my hoof pick and just... holding it, I changed my tune. It keeps his mouth busy so I can actually work. Now I hand him the pick first thing.

wadekim3d ago

Ever try giving them a worn-out rasp to hold?

robinson.angela2d ago

Oh my god, yes! My mare gets so mouthy when I'm trying to do her feet. I gave her an old rasp to hold and it was a total game changer. She just stands there quietly gnawing on the handle now. Honestly it saves my sleeves from getting tugged on every two seconds.