Zen Horse

Horse Tip of the Week
By Clinton Anderson

Picking up your Horses Feet:


Many people encounter problems when picking up their horse’s feet. Whether the horse won’t let you hold his foot up or he kicks out at you, most of these problems are fear-based and can be helped by using my “approach and retreat” desensitizing method.

The first thing you should be able to do is rub your hands all over the horse’s legs. If he’s really sensitive, stay up by the horse’s shoulder where you won’t get kicked or hurt and rub him all over with the handy stick first. Once he relaxes and is comfortable with this, you can start using your hands. Start high up on his leg where he is less sensitive and more used to contact, then work your way down a little bit at a time. If he begins to get nervous as you’re sliding your hand down his leg, just hold your hand there until he stands still and relaxes. As soon as he relaxes, remove your hand. Keep doing this until you can slide your hand all the way down the front and the back legs without the horse getting uncomfortable.

Now take your lead rope and shimmy it up and down all four of the horse’s legs. When he’s used to this, put the lead behind his fetlock and pull up. As soon as the horse lifts his foot, release the pressure. If you can get your horse to lift his foot with the lead rope, you’re ready to start cueing him with your hand.

As soon as the horse lifts his foot, release the pressure. Only make him lift his foot for a second or two the first time. It’s very important that you release the pressure before the horse takes his foot away from you. The second you feel him wanting to put his foot down, release his foot even faster — beat him to it! That way he thinks it was your idea, not his, and he feels rewarded.
Remember, handling feet is a process that takes time. When first handling a horse’s feet, you can’t just grab his foot and expect him to respond well. Instead, work up to it by using these simple steps to prepare him for having his foot held up. If you’ll take the time now and work up to it a second or two at a time, having your horse behave when his feet are being handled will no longer be an issue.

Happy Trails,

Danna