09/26/2024
How About Those Feet
How many times do we wait on the farrier or trimer’s visit to give our new horse a lesson in foot-handling? I have several friends that are hoof care specialists (farriers or natural trimmers) that share with me daily the lack of attention their clients give their horse’s feet. I’ve made a dollar or two teaching horses to accept having their feet handled, but if the horse owner is doing his or her job, I should never be called. When should we start working with those feet? The day we become owners of that horse, of course!
Folks, it is not your farrier’s responsibility to teach your horse to stand patiently to be trimmed or shod. Do you expect your vet to teach your horse to stand still for a check-up or have his blood pulled for a Coggins test? Of course not. So, why do I hear these stories daily, or why is the first thing I hear when someone is interested in purchasing a horse is, “Does he stand well for the farrier?” Yes, it is a legitimate question, but should be one that’s obsolete.
So, how do we make it happen? First, let’s understand things from the horse’s perspective. Without his feet, he’s at the mercy of every predator within a hundred-mile radius. When I try to take a foot against his will, I’ve caused his concern to spike. His response is fight or flight. Think about it—a big burly farrier comes into my barn to trim a young, restless horse, and there’s a pretty lady holding him. That farrier has a lot to prove to both the horse and pretty lady. So, the egos and testosterone roar! Who’s the baddest in the land?! That approach will only turn into a battle of wills. The horse never asked for this.
Now, let’s look at how we might be able to improve that scenario. It’s our job to remove any concern or worry from his mind. No force, just keep our expectations low and slow.
Here’s how I teach them to relax during the foot-handling process. I start in a confined area, a round pen or stall works well. No one holding the horse; he is free to move if he feels threatened. On a loose lead line, I’ll start working my way down each leg from shoulder to hoof, rubbing with first my hand, then later the lead line as we build trust. If he moves, I continue to rub until he stands without any pressure. Repeat the process a few times, giving him a break by releasing the pressure (your hand or the lead line) each time he stands still.
Now, move to the back feet. Stay aware, horses can cow kick! I will never ask for the foot until I can rub up and down each leg without the lead ever tightening on the halter. Now he trusts me and my body position.
Once he stands without pressure while you rub, it’s time to pick up the foot. Let’s start with the left foot. I’ll stand by his shoulder facing the rear of the horse with the lead draped over my left forearm. I’ll slide my left hand down to the ankle and tickle the pastern lightly with my fingers. Hmmm, the foot didn’t come up. Next level of pressure, I’ll use my hoof pick and start lightly tapping the outside of the ankle, tap, tap, Tap, Tap, TAp, TAp, TAP, TAP! I’ll increase the pressure of the tap every two-three taps, waiting for him the lift the foot on his own. The first time or two I may just release the pressure as he lifts the foot without even holding it. Then I’ll only hold it a second or so to continue to build that trust. After I can hold the foot a few seconds, I’ll then hold it low and by palming the hoof from the bottom I’ll move with the horse as he swings it around trying to get it back. The moment he softens, I’ll place the foot on the ground and release it. The trick here is hold it loosely so he doesn’t feel confined, even though I have control of his foot. He can still move it around.
By palming the hoof, you have a better hold and he feels much less constricted. Each time I ask for the foot, it always starts the same way: tickle the pastern, tap the ankle increasing until he lifts it on his own. I want him to pick up his foot because it was his idea, and not because I pushed him off balance and snatched his foot. If I’m holding the foot and he transfers weight, I’ll just palm the hoof and lift. The extreme flex on the pastern will cause him to change his mind pretty quick. I will not hold any more of his weight than the lower leg! As I finish up with the foot, I will always return it to the ground as politely as possible without any struggle, he or me!
Repeat this process with all four feet. If you do this daily for about a week, you’ll soon have a nice, respectful horse who the farrier will enjoy working with!
Remember, you can always give us a call with any questions; we’re here to help. Have a Good Ride!
