How to Pick your horse's hooves

Happy new year!!!! A new year means new chances! I'm going to give you the chance to  pick your horses hooves this year if you haven't already done so....

Step 1:
Make sure your horse is calm and settled down before you start picking his hooves. There is no point in asking him to stand on 3 legs when he is exited and jumpy.Tie him in the cross ties with a slip knot. Ad I have said before its better to chase your horse down than having get hurt because of a rope that wont untie.

Step 2:
Start on one side. Introduce yourself. Rub his shoulder softly and talk to him. Stand on one side and turn your body beside his shoulder to face his tail. be careful though, a horse may kick.

Step 3:
Run your hand down his leg and tap the back of its leg. This will give the horse a chance to realize what you are about to do and let him square up. If the other 3 legs are positioned to awkwardly he wont lift his leg in fear of falling.

Step 4:
Squeeze his leg above the fetlock if he did not raise his leg at the first command. Be patien and gentle, as this may take some convincing if the horse is not obliging.


Step 5:
Hold the hoof in one hand. This is better and more comfortable for the horse. If he tries to pull his foot down, gently lift the end of the hoof towards his elbow. Relax the pull right away if he responds.once the horse is standing calmly on 3 legs you can start removing stones and mud. NOTE TO RIDERS: NEVER PULL THE HORSE'S LEG OUT TOWARDS YOU, THIS WILL CAUSE SERIOUS PAIN TO THE HORSE, KEEP THE LEG IN ITS NATURAL PLACE!!!!

Step 6:
Start taking the dirt out from the heel to the toe. It is best to work this way to prevent damage to the heel and to yourself.

Step 7:
Remove any material from the frog (the squishy triangle in the middle of the hoof) with your hands, as this part is extremely sensitive full of blood supply and nerve endings.

Step 8:
 Check that the nails that hold the shoe in place haven't risen from position. If they have, see if the shoe is loose. If it is call a farrier instantly to replace it. Put the hoof down gently and repeat the process on all the remaining 3 legs.


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