You’ve learned how to safely and correctly pick up your horse’s foot so you can pick it out. But your horse is how steadfast in his refusal to do so. You’re not going to win this battle of the wills, so what are you to do?
To end hoof-lifting battles once and for all, step back for a moment and consider why your horse might not want you to handle his hoof. Then make a plan to teach your horse to pick up his foot. Here’s how.
Rule Out Other Issues
First, try to determine whether your horse is in pain. If he resists shifting his weight onto a foot, look for swelling or signs of injury in that leg. A developing abscess, an injury, or a hoof condition like navicular disease might also cause resistance. If you find anything suspicious, call your veterinarian.
Related Reading: Recognizing the Signs Your Horse Has a Hoof Problem
Time for Training
If you’ve ruled out pain as the problem, you’re dealing with a behavioral issue. One solution is to retrain your horse to lift his leg on cue, which might involve brushing up on your own technique as well: On soft, level ground, stand next to his shoulder, facing his tail. Run your hand down his foreleg, and when you reach the chestnut, dig your fingertips into the leg just below it. Rub aggressively back and forth until his weight shifts to the opposite limb. The objective isn’t to hurt your horse, but simply to annoy him to the point that he wants to move his leg to avoid the sensation.
It’s important to instantly reward your horse by releasing your grip on the leg and praising him when he shifts his weight. Repeat this process on the same leg over the next few days until he begins to willingly lift it at your touch.
Once your horse lifts his foot, immediately set it back down. Then gradually increase the length of time you hold up the leg, remembering that keeping the foot elevated for extended periods will seem like punishment to your horse.
After he is comfortable picking up the same hoof, you can move to the opposite side and teach your horse to pick up that foot using the same process. To work on the hind legs, grasp the base of the hock and rock the leg back and forth until his weight shifts over.
Related Reading: How To Pick a Horse’s Hooves: A Step-by-Step Guide
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This article originally ran on EQUUS.
