3yr rising 4 trying to kick when lifting feet

[cuddlycob1]

We’ve had our boy for 8 months and he will be 4yrs old in May.
When we first got him he didn’t pick his feet up but we taught him and since then he’s been great at it and okay for the farrier. Don’t get me wrong he has his moments, but we’ve always been able to do good care and have been consistent.
7 weeks ago we moved yards, he is settling in okay and adapted to his new routine and friends.
BUT he is absolutely refusing to pick his feet up!
He paws the ground when we try to pick the front ones out but eventually we get there.
Back ones are a nightmare where he is actively aiming to kick us! And he pins his ears back.

However, he let our trainer/instructor pick them up fine, no kicking!
AND he has let the farrier pick them up twice in the space of 7wks.
He even let me pick them up in front of the farrier and the trainer! As soon as they are not there, he kicks and actually spins and aims at me! My husband and daughter have tried and he is the same with them trying to get them away.

As it’s been so muddy he has mud stuck and needs them picked out.
He is fine with me touching his legs, putting hoof oil on etc it’s just the picking up. I assume if there were any issues he would be the same with the farrier and trainer?

Any advice please? Is this an early teenage tantrum type thing?
Thanks

 

[Midlifecrisis]

It sounds like your pony senses your hesitation and reacts to that whereas others are approaching him confidently.

 

[cuddlycob1]

It sounds like your pony senses your hesitation and reacts to that whereas others are approaching him confidently.

Thanks, I had wondered if that was the issue. I try and act confident but I feel anxious as I’m worried I’ll get stamped on.

 

[Gloi]

Work with your trainer at getting him to pick up his feet for you. The horse is currently training you that he doesn't need to pick his feet up for you. Confidence is hard to get but it can be done.

 

[eggs]

I agree with the others that it is a confidence issue (you) and your pony has picked up on this. For now I would only try picking his feet up with either the trainer, farrier or some-one else who is experienced being with you.

 

[starbucker]

Is this horse a feathered cob by any chance (note your username cuddley cob)? Id be clipping them off and asking your vet about treating for mites (injection with vets 2 weeks apart)/ sallander/ mallanders if so. My mare got like this with a mites / scab flare up and so did others again feathered cobs.. it was hurting her to hold up in the pick out position especially on backs (cracks scabs open). Now under control foot perfect, with picking up. I never had to clip her just went straight for the dectomax and silver cream / m &s farrier creamed the scabs til they went away (can be well hidden) and avoid washing her feet at all costs (water upsets the oil balance and sets it off)