Cleaning a horse's hoof means removing dirt, soil and pebbles that have slipped into the bottom, using a special small knife. Cleaning the hooves is a very important procedure that should be performed daily, before and after riding, in order to keep the horse healthy and prevent it from developing possible forms of lameness.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure the horse is calm and doesn't want to move
There is no point in asking him to stand on three legs if he is in a moment of arousal. It is generally preferable to tie the horse to keep it still. Make sure that the carrying rope is stopped on the animal by softer ropes, so that the horse does not get frightened by hearing the neck hitting a rigid metal ring. Also make sure the rope is not too short, as this could be uncomfortable for the horse and frighten it. At the same time, however, check that the rope is not too long, as it could make the horse lose his balance if he feels like lowering his head to graze.
Step 2. Start sideways
Approach and let the horse understand that you have good intentions. Gently stroke him on the neck and shoulders and speak to him in a soft voice. Stand close to his shoulders and face your body in the direction of his tail. If it is a horse with a tendency to kick, be sure to stop in a comfortable and safe position. It is advisable to keep the outer leg slightly in front of the other, to have greater balance and more maneuverability.
Step 3. Run your hand along the horse's leg, tapping the back
This will make the horse understand your intentions and give him time to prepare. If the other three legs are positioned oddly, try to fix it - it is unlikely that you will lift a leg without feeling balanced, so give it a chance to settle down before you begin.
Step 4. Squeeze the leg over the fetlock if the horse does not automatically lift it at the first command
Be patient and kind, it may take some time to convince the horse, if initially it does not show signs of wanting to cooperate.
- If he does not want to lift his paw, leaning gently against his shoulder could help him shift his balance to the opposite side. Be careful and take your time to give him time to settle his weight.
- If he still does not give any sign of wanting to raise his paw, gently press the chestnut, that is, the rigid and oval growth that is above the knee, inside the paw itself. Be gentle, wait a few seconds and let go as soon as the horse is ready to cooperate.
- If the horse still doesn't want to lift its leg, talk to it and "click" its jaw to make sure it pays attention to you.
- If a normally obedient horse does not raise its leg, check for any signs of lameness.
Step 5. Hold the hoof with one hand
Some horses will be much happier if you avoid touching the crotch or crown area. If he tries to free himself or lower his foot, hold the toe of the hoof and lift it towards the elbow. Release your grip as soon as you feel it is no longer resisting. It is not a demanding movement on your part, but it is very effective in preventing the horse from lowering its hoof. Once you have convinced the animal to remain calm on three legs, use a small knife to scrape off the mud and pebbles. Remember: DO NOT pull the horse's leg towards you, it will hurt a lot. Keep it oriented in its natural position.
It's best to work from heel to toe to avoid accidentally damaging the heel area or injuring yourself with the knife
Step 6. Remove the dirt from the frog (the triangle in the center of the hoof) with your fingers or a brush, rather than a knife
It is a very sensitive part of the hoof, with abundant blood circulation and crossed by various nerves. It should be treated just like the other sensitive areas of the crotch, not the stiff part.
The frog may sometimes break apart. If it looks battered and torn, tap it gently with your fingers. If you see that nothing comes off it is best to leave it alone, as the old parts will remove themselves. If necessary, call a farrier or a hoof specialist to arrange it for you
Step 7. Pay particular attention to the frog's dimple and the area with the white lines
These are the areas where it is most likely that pebbles may have crept in.
- Look for signs of thrush, characterized by a white powder on the horse's hoof or frog. It will break if scratched with a small knife. It is a very common and potentially fatal disease caused by moisture or mud in the barn or pasture area.
- Check that the hoof is in good shape, that it is balanced and that it does not need to be trimmed. Look for any signs of bruises and injuries.
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Check the sole of the hoof. It should be stiff and concave.
Pick a Horse Hoof Step 8 Step 8. Make sure the hooks holding the horseshoes have not come out of place if your horse is shod
You will notice it because they could cut your hand. Try to make sure the horseshoe is not loose. If so, consult a professional farrier to replace him as soon as possible. Gently lower the hoof and repeat the process with the three remaining legs. ATTENTION: some horses perform better with hoof shoes, others without. Consult your trusted farrier to find out what's best for your horse.
Advice
- Pressing the "chestnut" (the calcification found inside the knee) could convince a reluctant horse to lift his foot.
- Remember to always keep your head out of reach of the hooves in case the horse chooses to kick.
- Diluted Milton's solution (or one part of bleach with five or ten parts of water) is an excellent remedy for candida. Rub the hoof and spray the solution once a day for a week.
- For a young or inexperienced horse, try to use a medium bristle brush first, and then begin gradually introducing the use of the small knife. It may take some time.
- Pressing the chestnut too hard could crush it and cause the horse to bleed. Try not to, it is very painful!
- You could spread a little hydrogen peroxide inside the hoof, to clean it in depth.
- Arranging a hoof boot or wrapping a bandage on a loose horseshoe can help keep it in place until the farrier arrives.
- It is possible to train a flexible and balanced horse to raise both hooves on the same side. This could save you time by not having to go to the opposite side of the horse to do the cleaning.
Warnings
- If the horse is calm at first and then seems to start getting annoyed, try to conclude with a positive attitude, always remaining confident. Remember that horses have an excellent memory, especially when they feel anxious. If he realizes it can make you quit by rearsing up a little, he'll try it every time.
- Be careful not to damage the frog, the delicate part of the hoof.
- If the horse fidgets during the grooming, try talking to him in a slow, low, calm tone of voice. This will make him understand that you are not afraid and that he shouldn't be afraid either.
- Do not try to clean the hoof if the horse is not calm - it is dangerous!
- If you were to clean a pony's hoof, remember that the frog sits much lower than a normal horse. Don't be scared when you don't find it in the usual spot, just keep going down.
- If the horse is not used to being with its feet and legs tied, ask for the help of an expert. A nervous horse can be dangerous. They are large animals and feel fear, just like humans.
