you could try hobble training to get him to stand still, or a professional.
or you could try holding the hoof up for the farrier and slowly work him into the farrier handling him completely
I understand your issue my horse is a rescue with problems as well. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
first thing STOP riding it. for at least 2 weeks.. Only lunge him. use a lunge whip or/buggy whip and touch all over the body dont hit just rub.
each time you lunge bathe him. make sure you focus on his legs and hooves dont try and pick them up right away just touch them all around them. after a few times of doing this start trying to pick them up. hold them for as long as you can.
I have issues with my mare I cant do her feet unless ive lunged her or rode her first. but your horse may need some ground work done again.
You need to try and pick his feet everyday after the 2 week of ground work or often as you can.
I have had the "man" issues with a few horses and ponies over the years.
Luckily now I can get my husband to handle them a bit, which has worked in desensitizing them to the size and voice issues they had. My daughters pony was rearing and needed a twitch when she first arrived, now 4 trims later she is standing well enough for my daughter to hold.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
However I'm thinking of a different option for your situation, especially if you don't have access to a competent male to handle his feet regularly out at the barn.
I would try a smell distraction. Sounds weird, so bare with me.
Something strong like Vicks vapour rub or another smell you can think of (I have not used essential oils, but could work the same) Have it on a rag/cloth and keep it near his feed bin when he is eating and near where he is tied when being groomed. All good things.
Then when your cleaning out his feet and handling him, have it tucked in your back pocket. Do all your normal things. If he is like my horses they often tend to turn and sniff at you.
Then when your farrier comes he can tuck the rag in his back pocket. And hopefully it will give him the "security" of feeling calm and all is "normal" because the scent is the same. You might also want one in your pocket closer to his head.
I can see your problem with the usual methods of discipline. Because as you said, if a nail is half in or only one nail is in, then you cant send him in circles etc.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com So this "could" be a way to desensitize him to the scariness of the farrier. If it works, over time you would reduce the amount of scent on the rag and he should be used to it all by then.
I remember mum used this method with mares on the stud, to do with foals. I know it is a completely different situation, but worth a shot if all else fails.
Good luck with him ;-)
