How can I put this nicely.... I hate hoof trimming day! Short of bucking a couple tons of hay, it is the one chore that always leaves me with a sore back! It should be done every 4-6 weeks but I have to admit I've been known to let it go longer than that.
But after a week of temperatures in the high 90's this morning was so much cooler that I no longer had any excuses left. I always start with the does and today was a pretty typical day with even the friendliest does protesting and struggling a bit.
I took a brief break after finishing the does, and then with aching muscles and a bit of trepidation went to work on the boys. My dread however turned to astonishment as all the adults stood still with barely a murmur of protest. In fact, they seemed to be almost waiting in line for their turn. Something that has never happened before!
When I got to Mojo I decided that he might still be small enough at 5 months old, for me to hold in my lap and the minute I sat down he crawled into my lap and laid there just like a sleepy puppy. I didn't have to restrain him at all while trimming his hooves, and when I was finished he was content to continue laying in my lap soaking up the attention. Sure wish I could have gotten a picture of that.
I gave all the boys some extra attention for their good behavior, and then headed to the house for a shower (I love my boys - but they are bit odoriferous!) wondering if I had just been in the twilight zone!
But after a week of temperatures in the high 90's this morning was so much cooler that I no longer had any excuses left. I always start with the does and today was a pretty typical day with even the friendliest does protesting and struggling a bit.
I took a brief break after finishing the does, and then with aching muscles and a bit of trepidation went to work on the boys. My dread however turned to astonishment as all the adults stood still with barely a murmur of protest. In fact, they seemed to be almost waiting in line for their turn. Something that has never happened before!
When I got to Mojo I decided that he might still be small enough at 5 months old, for me to hold in my lap and the minute I sat down he crawled into my lap and laid there just like a sleepy puppy. I didn't have to restrain him at all while trimming his hooves, and when I was finished he was content to continue laying in my lap soaking up the attention. Sure wish I could have gotten a picture of that.
I gave all the boys some extra attention for their good behavior, and then headed to the house for a shower (I love my boys - but they are bit odoriferous!) wondering if I had just been in the twilight zone!
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