Introducing Power Tools

Introducing Power Tools with Clicker-Style Training - Part 1

If video doesn't run, you can watch it here: http://youtu.be/p6uvPTLUDEg

Introducing Power Tools with Clicker-Style Training - Part 2

If video doesn't run you can watch it here: http://youtu.be/g23vA4ibZs4

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are primarily reproduced here from the Abrasive Trimming Yahoo Group (Phil Morarre's group) with some of our own solutions.

Question: My horse is usually good with having his hooves trimmed with the grinder, but lately he is objecting to it after I start to use it on his hoof. Why is this?

Answer: I have found the same problem with some horses that usually accept the power trimmer but start to object by pulling their hoof away. In every case so far, I've found that the horse had a seedy toe, thrush infection or injury. I expect that the vibrations cause pain to the inflammed areas. I now check for seedy toe early when the horse starts pulling away. It really is an advantage knowing that seedy toe is causing pain so that we can treat it before it become so bad that it lames the horse. So my power trimmer is also a seedy toe detector.

Question: My horse is usually good with having his hooves trimmed with the grinder, but lately he is objecting to it after I start to use it on his hoof.

Answer: I have found the same problem with some horses that usually accept the power trimmer but start to object by pulling their hoof away. In every case so far, I've found that the horse had a seedy toe, thrush infection or injury. I expect that the vibrations cause pain to the inflammed areas. I now check for seedy toe early when the horse starts pulling away. It really is an advantage knowing that seedy toe is causing pain so that we can treat it before it become so bad that it lames the horse. So my power trimmer is also a seedy toe detector.

Question: How can I get my horse to accept the SofTouch Power Trimmer?

Answer: We introduce the horse gradually to the noise, vibrations and air flow by using clicker-training. Other trimmers use pressure and release. Sometimes we just have to try a few different approaches till we find the one that works for a particular horse. And sometimes it takes a while so it's a good idea to plan accordingly. It's usually not a problem though so try it and if you don't have time to go through a lot of desensitizing process come back when you do. After the first actual trim it won't be a problem in the future. (Phil)

Question:
I am having trouble with all of my horses objecting to the feel of the grinder. It think it is either the wind off it, or the bits of grit and hoof hitting their bellies. They really, really object. It is not fear, but discomfort. This includes mellow horses. A QH and two Fjords. Has anyone perfected an easy to install belly protector?

Trimmers' Answers:
I would think that that wouldn't be a very good idea, as it would be more stuff to put on the horse to maybe make them uncomfortable with the whole process. I had a very difficult horse that was not liking the grinder. I took it very slowly and conditioned him to the whole process, so that he now targets the hoof stands and posts, and I can trim without even tying him. I tell you this because it is possible to get them used to it. I went very slowly, and would take many breaks. At the same time I perfected my own technique without the horse, trying to get better with my own handling, so that I didn't add to the problem. (Kathy)

I attempted to make a belly protector with an old blanket, but used ties instead of velcro and it was too much of a hassle to use it. Now I cover the blowback with my cupped hand when it's up under thehorse's belly. A couple of the horse were more annoyed when the grinder actually touched their feet - we had a yanker, yanked the hoof away as soon as it touched the grinder. I found that a more steady pressure when grinding instead of the feather touching of the grinder in little strokes, seems to be more calming to the "yanker". (Amy)

See if the horses are also resistant with the hind feet. If so it probably is not the debris or the wind but something else. Also are you SURE that YOU are comfortable with the grinder? I have found that if the person holding the grinder is at all apprehensive or nervous some horses take that as a reason to worry! What is the reaction if you stand 10 feet away and pretend to be doing something with the running grinder that does not involve them? ( I like to pretend I'm mowing the grass) If that seems OK with them then go to the next step, if not keep doing it till they start to relax. Next move gradually in toward them but not directly toward them, sweep back and forth (as if you were mowing or sweeping a 6 foot wide path). When you can get close enough to touch the horse on the nape of the neck go to the next step. Let the horse examine the grinder without it running. Move slowly and steadily and give them a chance to sniff it if they want. Most horses are curious enough to want to do that. Next, remember, be sure you start this on a back foot! See what happens if you rub the grinder around on a foot without it turned on. If this is fine then try pressing it into the hoof fairly hard and turn it on for only 1 second. If you are applying pressure at the same time the disc will not turn very fast and the sound will be lower but they will feel the vibration, plus it's over before they can really react. Repeat this step several times then start increasing the time on to 2 seconds then 3 and so on till you just leave it running and start trimming. After a minute or so of trimming take a break for a couple of minutes then go through the whole process again, it should go faster this time. If everything seems to be OK go ahead and finish that foot. Then do the whole process again on the other hind foot only this time it shouldn't take much time before you are trimming. BY this point your horse should be ok with the whole thing and you can do the other 2 feet. Keep in mind that a horse can get used to ANYTHING that doesn't hurt with enough exposure. (Advice from Phil Morarre - www.softouchnaturalhorsecare.com)

This is what might help with the flying debris -- I first clean and then wash the hooves before I begin. I use a wire brush as well, to make sure that all the sand and dirt is gone. I work on a rubber mat so that he doesn't pick up dirt when his hoof is down. This eliminates a lot of the flying debris problem. The small amount of hoof that comes off is not an issue for us. I hope this helps! Good luck and stick with it -- it is well worth the work in the end :-) (Kathy)

I often thought I should make a new blanket using velcro - but the horses have gotten used to the grinder now, and we don't have any problems. I think though, that someone who trims for a living might want to carry with them some sort of belly protector, just in case. Another problem we have is during the summer the flies are horrid and will bite and cause distress while we are trying to trim, so we've used a fly sheet and fly leg wraps. I'm thinking that this summer we're going to use a very strong FAN to keep us cool and to blow those flies away. :) (Amy)

It has to do with the rotation direction of the disc. The dust spray (and occasional grit if the disc is brand new) will sometimes hit the opposite leg and until the horse gets used to it there is a tendency to want to move away from it. That's why I always stress starting on the hind feet with a new disc. Most of the horses I have been trimming for awhile don't care which foot I start on as long as the disc has already trimmed at least two feet to get rid of any loose grit pieces. Many people start to use the grinder on the left front foot, but this is the foot that when grinded throws debris up onto the horses belly. If the horse is not experienced having its feet trimmed with the grinder, this sensation could be unsettling. Most people seem to start with that foot as most people are right-handed and that is their 'best' side because for a right handed person the horses left side is the most easily accessible. (Phil)

This happens because of the disc moving in a counter clockwise direction, and the angle that you hold the disc to the foot with your right hand. The debris and air from the vent on the grinder throws the spray in the direction of the horses right front leg and belly. This can be very ticklish for the horse, or if there is sand, small rocks or other debris being flung off of the hoof, it can be painful and make the horse a little jumpy. I always do this hoof last on horses new to the grinder. By the time they realize it is nothing scary or painful, the accept it a lot easier. I have also learned to hold this foot down further-towards the ground increasing the distance and angle of anything hitting the other front leg and belly. I will also hold my index and middle finger up above the medial hoof wall to block debris. This can be tricky with large footed horses, and small hands. (Stephanie)

I believe this is the foot that when grinded throws debris up onto the horses belly. Of course if that is there first experience with the grinder I would imagine it would be unsettling. Out of habit I always start with that foot when I pick out their feet. (Erica)

I just got a new horse who was resistant to grinder. I always approach a trim on a horse assuming there will be no problems, then if that doesn't work I trim another horse right next to the horse so they get used to noise and have a buddy they feel comfortable with. In this case she was still leery so I put my hand on withers and turn on grinder because they can feel vibration through you. Then I turned on grinder and let go of switch and touch foot as grinder is coming to stop and let them get used to it. Think outside the box because each horse is different. Hope this give you some ideas. (Ela)

Question:
Answer:

Question:
Answer:

Question:
Answer:

How we introduce horses to the SofTouch Power Trimmer.

WARNING
All activities involving horses carry some safety risk to both horse and human. This risk is inherent due to the nature of horses - they are flight animals. They are most often neophobic - afraid of new things. Therefore if you decide to introduce a horse to the HSA Power Trimmer by following the steps which WE use, YOU accept the same potential risk that is associated with doing any activity around horses. You do so at your own risk.

If you are inexperienced at working with horses or do not have a good working relationship with a particular horse it is recommended that you hire a professional to introduce this method.

Some horses are resistant at first to a new tool and some desensitising "MAY" be required before you can begin the actual trimming. I am available to support you with free advice via email or via our blog on this website. It is recommended however, that you visit our FAQ webpage first.

In reality, trimming with the HSA Power Trimmer is no more dangerous than most things people do with horses.

However, IF you encounter resistance from a particular horse, you might like to try applying some of our simple desensitising instructions . We prefer to use clicker-training, but there are other methods - NH pressure and release, TAP.

A lot of horses are happy to be trimmed while only ground tied after the first couple of trims; they have learned to actually like the process! Some almost go to sleep!!