Advice on a horse that kicks out when lifting feet

[Adoni123]

I was just looking for any useful tips and tricks!

My new boy arrived last night and he’s an absolute angel! I have never seen a horse so well behaved and I’m in love already!

Having a bit of a problem with picking out feet, on three he is fine. When I go to pick up one of the hind feet he kicks out and doesn’t let me have it. I’ve not had this problem with any previous horses so I am a bit nervous! I saw him getting them all picked out before. He did move a bit but quickly stopped with the owner. It’s more of a me problem I think because I’m not sure what to do in this situation so any advice would be great.

He’s a bit more sensitive on this leg due to having an injury there a while ago. His routine physio appointments will begin soon so will ensure he has no pain that’s causing this. He’s not sore on his legs and is not lame. Think he may be chancing it a bit! Just trying to get a bit more confident as I am a bit nervous of his back legs!

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I have a friend who has had this problem before coming to help me so I’m sure all will be well! ?

 

[Carrottom]

Has he just had a long journey that may have left him stiff/sore.

 

[dogatemysalad]

It's quite a common issue for horses on a new yard, with a new owner. It's a big ask for a horse to offer a back leg as it means he can't flee instantly from a threat. Once, he's settled and feeling secure, and knows that you are a person he can trust, he should be willing to comply.
Keep to a routine, ask someone to stand at his head for reassurance, while you pick his feet out. Slide your hand down each leg before lifting so he has advance warning of what you're asking. If he snatches his foot away or tries to kick, just very calmly take the foot again. Wear a hat and stand very close so that a kick can't reach you.

 

[ITPersonnage]

Whilst I agree with the above, just bear in the back of your mind the POSSIBILITY that this is still sore for him and give him time to get used to you handling it but do try to be firm but kind (IYKWIM). From personal experience I know how tempting it can be to get impatient but listen to him and don't just assume he's not in pain. Hopefully it's nothing and with time it will improve. Good luck

 

[meleeka]

Try again when he’s more settled. If he still does it give him a sachet or bute and try again the next day. You’ll soon know if it’s pain related.

 

[Carrottom]

You don't say how old he is, we had a three year old who struggled with balance especially one hind. I used to get him to cock that leg.i.e. Rest is on the toe so I could clean it out. Then started lifting it for just a couple of seconds, gradually increasing the time. Within a couple of months he was fine.

 

[tiahatti]

I'm wondering if he is just finding it difficult to lift. My old mare used to be willing to lift but as she was stiff & arthritic she did this sort of stretching out her leg move which could be taken as a kick. Its a bit hard to describe.

 

[Adoni123]

He’s only 10, he’s in full work and he’s in no way lame. I’ve booked the physio to have a look and MOT from the vet.
Interesting ideas thank you! We managed to get it once tonight after a while of trying and left it there. We will continue doing this too and hopefully it will build his confidence.
It’s just a bit strange that it’s just really the one leg! He is a sensitive boy. I’m sure if vet and physio find nothing I’ll crack it ?

 

[FrostKitten]

I was just about to post a similar post for my 4YO mare as she's in desperate need of a hoof trim but apparently she cow kicks (she has limited handling)! I'm going to have to get her sedated (as her old owner did last time) but she must be uncomfortable as her feet are really very long.

 

[FrostKitten]

Have you tried asking him to step over so he's balanced on the other hind leg when you ask him to pick up that fourth foot?

 

[Shay]

The fact that it is just one - and its a leg he has previously injured would make me think either current or remembered pain. It might be that the angle you lift at or the height you hold to is slightly different from where his old owner would stand and cuases a twinge. Or it might be that he just thinks it will. Was he vetted? What happened with the flexion test on that side?

 

[SEL]

One of mine cow kicks on her left hind. It is sore at times, but countless vets doing flexion tests on it really haven't helped.

For her I slip a lead rope gently around the bottom just above the hoof and ask her to lift it off the ground slightly. If she starts to kick out then I'm in a safe zone and she gets 'ah, ah, ah' which is my NO to her. She usually relaxes providing it isn't lifted high and then I can go in and pick it out.

The farrier is more of an issue because he really won't work with her at 'hoof picking out height' and the more he insists, the more she fights - and she's quick and makes contact.

 

[Adoni123]

Thanks all - I've totally sussed it out! I was nervous and he picked up on it I think. I put my brave face on and all if perfect thanks for all your help!

 

[Fransurrey]

Check the other leg. It may be he can't weight bear for two legs on that. Also make sure any thrush is treated. My boy came with quite severe thrush last year and was quite difficult with his feet being picked up. You could also try a hoof cradle if it's just a balance issue.

Ah we crossed. Glad you'v sorted it.