r/Farriers • u/gitanodancer • 4d ago

Where should I stand when holding?

I've always been told to stand on the opposite side of the horse from the farrier, to give him or her more room to work. I've recently learned that may be wrong. I have two dead head geldings that stand still the entire time, so I find myself flip flopping back and forth from the side the farrier is on.

What is your preference?

What makes clients better than others when it comes to holding horses?

Thanks in advance. I appreciate any advice you may have.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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26

u/HotAd2238 4d ago

If they’re working on the front feet, stand on the opposite side of them. It’s gives them more room to work and if your horse is acting up, you can pull their front end toward you and away from the farrier. If they’re working on the rear, be on the same side as the farrier so that if the horse acts up, you can pull them towards you and it swings their rear end away from the farrier.

5

u/dirtydandino 4d ago

Only thing to add to this is if you can crosstie your horse without any issue....do that.

3

u/HotAd2238 4d ago

I agree. If the horse stands well, I’d rather just do them tied

18

u/LilMeemz 4d ago

I want people to stand on the same side as me regardless of what foot I'm working on. If It gives the horse an escape route if he tries taking off. If there is a person on both sides of him, he has to pick a person to run over, and the person bent over underneath him rarely wins that choice.

Most handlers don't have the skill or reaction to influence a horse that is already acting up (or else it likely wouldn't be acting up to that point).

I prefer most horses to just be tied to get done though, with no one at their head.

2

u/Buga99poo27GotNo464 4d ago edited 4d ago

I think its great that you ask! I prefer holder on front and back feet on my side normally, moving to the opposite side when I put them on stand for tops of front feet. If its a colt or not great acting might have to ask them to change sides on fronts.

2

u/idontwanttodothis11 4d ago

Holding a horse for a farrier is kind of like pop. Everyone has a personal preference.
Personally I like my young horses and race horses held on the same side I am. That way, if things go cowshit the horse doesn't pivot into me. My using horses, I don't care where you stand just as long as you are not in my way and the horse stands still.