working with feet

Question
Hi,
   I have a horse that several years ago had a front leg injury, she recovered but the problem since then is she will not let you hardly work with any of her legs and hooves since then. The farrier and I 3out of 4 times will manage to get the front hooves trimmed but that usually takes 2 to 3 hours alone. She has what is called soft shelly hooves on the front and I usually will have side clips on the front. For 2 years now we have not been able to shoe her at all. I have worked with her legs and hooves but will not give. She will rare up, constantly move, kick and anything you can think of so you can not get the farrier work done. My farrier has suggested a safety rope to try and work with her so I do not get hurt again.I have looked for this but with no avail. Can you help with what this rope is called and any suggestions too. I have had this horse since she was 6 months old and she is a good natured horse. Please Help.
                    Than kyou
                    Cindy

Answer
Hello Cindy,

First I have to ask a question:  Does trimming her hoofs cause pain?  The soft shelly hooves...what does that affect?  I had a mare that was very easily "quicked" and she was a terror to trim until we grew the wall out thick enough that she did not feel pain.  That is the first place to look.  Have your vet check this out and give you his opinion as to whether it is pain or bad manners.

Second, I would put her on a supplement called "Farrier's Formula" for a whole year to firm up those hoofs. That is how long it will take for new foot to grow out and it seems that she needs it.

If there is no pain involved...just bad manners or left over fear, here is what I would do.

You can get a large soft cotton lead rope or rope and loop it around her ankle/pastern.  When she kicks out, just hold on to it and make her keep the foot in the air until she tires of kicking and puts it down.  Then praise her and do it again.  Do that with all four feet every day until she no longer kicks.  Another trick is to loop one hind ankle to an opposite front ankle and she can't rear. When she tries she will pull her feet from under her.  If you do this make sure the landing is soft and she does not get hurt.  She may react violently when she finds out she can't avoid you, so do this with care.

But first check with the vet to see about pain in the foot while farrier work is being done.

Best wishes,
Dorothy