Why weren't you allowed to clean the back feet? Did someone else do it for you or were the horses back feet just never done?

A horse's hoof health is crucial if you want an overall healthy horse that is going to do it's best for you.

Cleaning a horse's hind hooves are pretty much the same as the front, I hold the front part of the hoof with one hand and the hoof pick in the other..to me it's pretty much the same thing but sometimes I will rest his leg on my thigh (sort of like a farrier)

Sorry if it wasn't a good explanation, but look up "how to clean a horse's hooves" on YouTube.

Hope I helped
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Do exactly what your friend does. When you pick up the hoof, think of it as picking up the front hoof, which you know you can do.

You just have to make yourself do it. Nothing more to it. The more you do it, the quicker you will get over the fear of it.

 

Thanks guys and the instructor either did them or they werent done at all if she forgot :/

 

I'm not sure how true this is but I was told if you try to stick as close to the horse as possible rather then kind of lingering beside them they have less power behind the e.g kick. This is a bit hard to explain but kind of get in front of the hind leg and put your arm/shoulder right up against the front of the leg. Then they will move forward or sideways sometimes to kick and in the process move you out of the way rather then doing you any real damage. I have been in your position before and doing this always make me feel more confident and in control. I hope this makes some sense.

 

I second this. The closer you are to the horse, the less power they can get behind a kick. They can still step on you, but I'd rather be stepped on that kicked, personally.
Lean right up against their leg. Sometimes if you put your weight against the leg the horse is more inclined to give you the foot.

 

IMPORTANT!! You pull the back foot backwards and rest it on your thigh. IF your horse wants to kick you, he must pull it forwards. If this happens, you get knocked forward and can get out of the way.

Even some horses with the best manners gets a fly that he wants to kick, so it's important that you stay safe.
Start by just picking up your horse's feet. Unless there is a stone or an absess your horse will survive a good week of JUST foot gymnastics while YOU learn. I would start with the back foot when your horse is resting with one of them cocked bc his balance is already on the Other back foot.
Next pay ATTENTION when your farrier works on your horse. Any farrier will be happy to give advice about this bc it makes your horse easier for him to trim/shoe.

 

I agree with standing right up next to the horse and also pulling the hoof straight backwards 9never heard of resting it on your thigh to pick it out though).
my horse gives a couple tiny soft kicks usually and i just hold the hoof until its over, you kind of have to get a feel of it with your own horse. having a farrier or someone else knowledgeable around horses to help you the first few times could probably be a big help to you!! good luck

 

The thigh thing is just something I have always done..picked it up from a barn owner, he always did it so I just decided to try it one day & voila! It wasn't as heavy lol!
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Thanks guys I'm going to hopefully try it out this afternoon. I was taught the closer you stay to the horse the less chance of getting hurt badly and that you can feel the muscles bunching/movement and move out of the way, I've never been kicked before so far its a very practical way to act around a horse. Lol.
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No need to lift the foot so high as to be able to rest it on your thigh - many horses dislike this infact.

Every time you pick up a foot say to your horse "Hold Up" eventually he will just pick the foot up on command.

For the back feet. Stand close to the side of the horse run your hand down the back of the leg and then around to the inside and ask the horse to lift up the leg by giving the fetlock a little tug. Don't hold the foot too high or too far back as this encourages the horse to wave its foot around. Pick out just as you would the front foot.

Should the horse plan to protest you can then just release your hand as you step backwards away from the foot.

Staying close to the horses side reduces the force of a kick - the power is in the end of the kick.

 

I tried today and he was anughty and tried to kick :/ not sure how im gonna do this

 

I hope you corrected him for that and continued to work with his back feet, otherwise he'll think kicking will get him out of doing what you want. Also kicking is obviously a bad habit to have.

 

My friend took over and did it and i watched carefully. Hopefully tomorrow I will try again and be able to get it :/

 

The one and only time my pony threatened to kick when I picked up a back foot he got a wollop on his **** so hard he shot accross his stable. Never tried it again.
Stand close, if he waves the hoof round hang onto it and if he threatens to kick you smack him!

 

I second this, when mine decides to be onry and he tries to kick or pull his foot from me he gets me going after his rump fo a few minutes and he gets to move his feet and work until he decides to cooperate. After a few times he got the idea and seldom gives me trouble with trims now.

 

When my kids and 4-h'ers are learning to clean back hooves, if they are nervous I have them stand right next to me and a little behind while I pick up the hoof and hold it. I show them how to hold it and what it looks like when the horse relaxes with the hoof in your hand. Once the horse relaxes, I let the child take the hoof from me and clean the hoof themselves. I always use a horse that is very good about his hooves for this, so the kids can get comfortable without getting hurt. I bet you could find someone to do this with you.
Kathy

 

My large mare has learned to tip her hoof up on it's center edge so that it is still on the ground but the bottom of the hoof is exposed to me. I am small and holding the hind leg is difficult. I lift her hoof and set it down in the position I want it and she stays put while I clean away! I can do the front ones just fine, but the weight of the hind legs is a bit much. Of course, I can trust her to be good so that helps.

 

Exact same thing I do! Works like a charm with my horse

 

Aw, it's okay! We all have worries about something!

Well, I would advise taking it slow. Pick up the horses' hoof, then put it down, then pick it up for a few seconds, then put it down again. After a little while, your confidence will grow, your trust in your horse will grow, and your horse will pick up it's feet very well.

 

Watch this video on youtube www.Youtube.com/How/to/groom/a/Horse(plus/extra/pics)

 

Sorry about that when you get to youtube search This
How to Groom a Horse (plus extra pictures)

 

One thing with picking up back feet?

Do not V your hand and pick foot up with your thumb on one side/fingers on other, as you do with front feet. That can, if horse decides to kick, dislocate/break your thumb.

Horse's power in back feet is to kick backwards, front feet is to strike forwards, so the V works there, but to safely pick up back feet, cup your hand, keeping fingers and thumb together as you give cue to pick up foot.

Keeping shoulder against horse is good too, as it is anytime you are working around horse, or some part of you touching lightly as that will signal you if horse is fixing to move.