Hoof picking help!

[Danniigx]

I have recently started loaning a horse from a stables near my home, I went to pick his hooves out the other day and it looked as if he has a lot of compressed bedding stuck in there, I tried to pick it out but I can't get through it and he won't keep them up long enough for me to try, he's very restless as he is stuck in and I'm worried that he may have thrush underneath, could anyone advise any way of getting the bedding out, he wont stand long enough to soak them either! Thanks in advance

 

[daydreamer]

hmm tricky. I can think of a couple of things but maybe you have already tried these. Maybe try a different style off hoof-pick, I find some much better than others. Also make sure you start right in the top corners of the frog - sometimes if you get it started a whole wodge will come out. Can you try distracting him with food to get him to stay still? Have you tried wedging the hoof between your knees like a farrier and using two hands on the hoof pick!?

 

[Danniigx]

I've given two picks a try so far, I will give the holding it between my knees a try, I've only been loaning him for a week and a half and he's 17h so still building trust with him, scared he might squish me! I tried from the corners and it still didn't shift someone said to use peroxide but I was extremely wary with it being a chemical!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

Ask the owner to help you, if he is out in a muddy field it will soften. Don't start messing about with a loan horse until you know what you are doing is the best advice I can give.

 

[D66]

If you trot him up on a hard surface it will fall out. Obviously only if bedding in there, not if you suspect a stone.