Most horses, on most days, will stand patiently during a farrier’s visit. But there’s always a chance of a “meltdown.” Horses, after all, can have bad days just like we do. A horse who loses his cool during a farriery work can injure himself, you or the farrier, so you’ll want to be prepared for this possibility and know how to react.

Prevention is key

Of course when it comes to meltdowns—as with so many other aspects of horse care—prevention is by far the best option. That requires that you handle your horse often, getting to know him on the ground as well as in the saddle. Then if he starts acting out during a farrier appointment, you’ll quickly be able to determine if he’s likely scared, in pain, self-protective, distracted or just inexperienced. There’s a big difference between a cranky or disrespectful horse, a hurting horse, and one that’s in full fight-flight-or-freeze mode. Regular handling will also strengthen your bond with your horse, helping him to trust you enough to look toward you when he’s unsure, scared or in pain.

Avoid escalating

When a meltdown happens, call a time out, stop the visit and assess the situation with your farrier. This is your horse, so you ultimately decide how to proceed. But your farrier has experience dealing with these situations and may have useful suggestions. What you don’t want to do is lose your temper: Escalating the will make matters worse. Instead keep everyone safe and allow the horse the opportunity to calm down before trying again.

Consider sedation

If the horse still won’t cooperate, consider postponing the visit until you can address the sources of your horse’s resistance. If he is too agitated or too difficult to handle, talk to your veterinarian about sedation. Sedating your horse may not only be safer for all concerned but can become part of the process of helping him accept future farriery work calmly.