I've had Leo (the most chilled, lovely, gentle horse I've ever known) for a couple of months now. He only 4 and was neglected with very minimal handling (although he was backed after a fashion) prior to us getting him.
He's a dream to have around. My 8, 9 & 14 year old DDs can handle, groom and generally be around him with no problems whatsoever.
Leo had had zero hoof care in the 4 years before we got him (feet cracked as hell and the size of dinner plates) but was shod just before we brought him home. His breeder/owner said he was ok to shoe in front but fidgety with his hind feet. She said they did manage to "sort him" though.
I've not had any problems handling his feet at all and even my little DDs can pick his feet out, however when my farrier, who is very quiet and gentle with him, tries to do his hind feet he goes ballistic. Kicking out with, serious intent and is obviously terribly frightened. Today, on his second attempt to shoe him, my farrier was kicked in spite of his patient handling and the horse was very distressed.
By pure coincidence there was a vet on the yard who sedated Leo in order to get the job done with the minimum distress all round. Sadly even after the job was done and Leo was coming round he was still very worried about the farrier being around him.
I'm 99.9% sure he's had serious a battering off his breeder (who just happens to be a farrier) when first being shod. So my question is, has anyone and their horse overcome such a severe fear and if so how?
We have some sedalin paste now to use next time but if that's not sufficient to calm him then shoeing is going to be a very costly business!
I adore this lovely horse and will do whatever it takes to get him over his fears if at all possible.
Any tips/advice gratefully received.