Damn, what a magnificent beast!

Doing a hoof trimming on a 9y/o, Dutch Draft horse Kim, 17HH(68" at the shoulder) and weighs about 1000kg(2200lbs).

I must admit that I raised an eyebrow at the use of what is essentially a cattle crush.
However, looking at other videos it seems common practice in Belgium and the Netherlands.
It worries me that there's no quick release mechanism in the event of an emergency.

This Clydesdale is only four years old and has some growing yet to do but he's still a big horse and is being trimmed and shod in a far more sympathetic manner.

I've never personally seen a farrier here use a "cattle crush" but I'm sure some do, especially dealing with semi-wild range horses.
I can't imagine what sort of emergency would require a quick release, but I do know the damage a horse a quarter the size of that Belgian can inflict.

I was thinking of how some horses panic in a confined space and immediate action is required to stop them injuring themselves.
It's not an exact parallel, but I once had dealings with a Shire X who managed to get a front foot stuck in a piece of farm machinery.
The local fire brigade had to attend to help free him and during that process he nearly sat down, either through fatigue or panic.
It would certainly have broken his leg and been the end of the poor chap.
However, several of us made an almighty effort to support the back end and managed to keep him upright while the fire brigade did their stuff.

Whenever getting kicked by a horse comes up, I always think of/see this one:



Although, Leonidas doesn't usually come up...:rolleyes:

Dude caught both barrels, too.

Grav, that fucker was lucky to be able to get up.:rolleyes:

In that rig, strapped in front, back, and under belly, it would be hard work to injure itself. Also, holding that Belgian's hoof between your knees would be tough.

I bet it bruised the picture on his driver's license.

Prolly didn't know his name til the next day.

One of these horses is as small as a dog.

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Atta girl, Hayley!:cheerldr:

Just like catching a ball...

...ya gotta get in front of it.

"Dang, Horse! You is a foo!"

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Is that a meth horse? Lookit dem nostrils!

That is a serious girl.

Burying Man o' War. I don't think those handles are going to help.

"I got this."