A relaxed horse means a safer experience for horse and farrier. | Christa Lest-LasserreSome horses enjoy farrier visits; they remain calm and relaxed. They lift their limbs eagerly and might even sneak in a few affectionate nuzzles on their farriers head, neck, or back. However, others seem to dread the experience. With flared nostrils, tense jaws, stiff posture, and pinned ears, these horses make the appointment difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.Most horses fall somewhere between. They tolerate the work but fidget, shift, or jerk their legs away. That leaves owners asking: What can I do to help my horse stand better for the farrier?Researchers have shown regular trimming and shoeing helps horses move better and feel more comfortable. So, it seems reasonable farrier visits should be positive experiences. Kate Fenner, PhD (in horse behavior and training), of the University of Sydney, in Australia, says they can be. Its important that they enjoy these visits. A relaxed horse makes the farriers job easier and keeps the horses stress levels down, too.Heres how you can help make your horses farrier visits calm and even enjoyable for him.1. Train the Horse to be Calm Before Farrier VisitsHorses cant enjoy farrier visits unless theyre calmand that calm comes from training and predictability. First and foremost, horses need to learn that its okay to be calm when tied upwhether thats for grooming, saddling, veterinary checkups, or foot care, says Lorenzo Zoppi, a Tuscany-based farrier and behavior scientist.That training must come from the owner. I only see the horse once a month, Zoppi notes. What the owner does beforehand and between times is going to affect how things go when the farrier arrives.Fenner recommends rewarding calm behaviors such as a lowered head and deep exhales. While food rewards can be effective, they can also overstimulate anxious horses, she adds. Instead, try scratching his withers, soft stroking on the neck, or gentle words. Clicker training can also work well, if the horse has been properly conditioned to understand what the clicker means.Horses benefit from learning self-carriage with their feet, Fenner adds, meaning they hold a position until given a cue to change. When I ask a horse to give me his foot, he needs to know theres a signal to pick it up and a signal to put it down again, she says. It reassures him that theres going to be an endpoint.Zoppi says introducing these experiences early in life makes a big difference. They have to learn through gentle conditioning not to be scared of things farriers do, he says. Tapping and scraping a young horses hooves with a pick can create positive associations with the sounds and sensations of farrier work.2. Promote Confidence, Trust, and PredictabilityHorses relax more when they know whats coming and whats expected of them, says Fenner.Standing on three legs makes horses feel vulnerable. They know they have no escape, she adds. So they have to trust us and trust the situation.Zoppi echoes this sentiment. When that horse gives me his foot, he needs to know that everythings going to be okay, he says. Thats a lot of trust!Owners can cultivate that trust by routinely asking for their horses feet. Zoppi says this practice builds both the horses and the handlers confidence. But I see a lot of owners feel insecure about picking up their horses legs, he adds. They need to do it confidently so the horse feels like its okay to trust people when they ask for his legs.3. Know What Youre Teaching Your HorseUnderstanding learning theory helps owners train more effectivelyand avoid reinforcing the wrong behaviors.Zoppi sees many well-meaning owners make timing mistakes. Theyll pick up the horses leg, and the horse moves, and they let go, he says. So what theyre actually telling the horse is they want him to move when they pick up his feet.Similarly, offering treats or praise at the wrong moment, such as when a horse moves around, can reinforce unwanted behavior. You have to really think about your timing, says Zoppi. Ask yourself, What am I telling the horse by giving him that carrot?4. Set the Scene for Farrier Visit SuccessEnvironment matters. Choose quiet, familiar places for farrier work and avoid times of high activity, such as during feeding or deliveries. Get out of the sun, wind, and rain if you can. Dont underestimate how annoying flies can be.Zoppi makes sure all horses he works on wear fly masks and sheets. We dont want horses having to endure flies just because they know theyre not supposed to move, he says.Fenner recommends using insect repellents and, if needed, gently brushing flies away with a hand. You could also use a horsehair fly whisk. If the horse struggles with separation, dont use the farrier visit to work on that; bring a companion horse instead.Playing calm music or nature sounds can help some horses relax. While studies are still ongoing, researchers have reported that horses prefer low-tempo music including country or classicaland seem more stressed by rock and jazz genres.5. Work With Behavior-Savvy FarriersFarriers with a strong understanding of equine behavior can make a big difference during visits, but most farrier programs dont include training in this area. While some professionals seek out additional education, others develop these skills through experience and observation.Ask around, and watch how farriers interact with horses, says Fenner. Look for those with a quiet, gentle way about them.If your farriers methods cause unnecessary stress, its okay to make a change. Its your responsibility to make that call, says Fenner. Dont let your horse go through a terrible experience just because youre embarrassed or youve already paid. Its not worth it. Its never worth it.Take-Home MessageFarrier visits go more smoothly when horses do more than toleratethey feel safe and settled. These tips can benefit every horse, including those that already seem calm. Make the entire experience really peaceful and pleasurable for the horse from start to finish, Fenner says. And as long as theyre standing still, give them all the love and attention they want.