Horse wont let me pick up one of his hooves

[Teddybear🧸🐴💕]

Hi everyone. When i go to pick out my horses back left hoof he will not let me. Sometimes he wont let me lift it, sometimes he will let me lift it but will kick back and put all his weight into me so I physically can’t hold him. He is a saint while picking out the rest of them . The farrier can always pick them all up .Help would be greatly appreciated because he has thrush that needs to be treated.

 

[Equi]

Pain is usually the reason. Did he let you before the thrush? If not id be tempted to ask the vet and physio to check him over. Farriers are very good at taking no nonsense to get the job done.

 

[Horseperson432]

My pony used to do this to me when I was younger… one foot only ( a gem everywhere else) and i quickly learned he was just taking the p*ss out of me… if i leant into his shoulder he’d always give in. When he sussed I knew how to get him to pick it up/ not pull away he stopped.
However he never demonstrated any sort of pain, kicking or anger which I suppose could suggest he is sore on the other leg/ elsewhere and not wanting to put weight on it… has he always been like it? I’d also agree it may be worth getting him checked for any soreness, particularly if it’s a new thing!
I’ve also worked with horses that have had a bad experience with the farrier and as a result been reluctant to pick up a specific foot. Not suggesting it happened at yours but possibly at an old home (presuming he’s been like it the whole time you’ve had him?)

 

[Highmileagecob]

Will he rest the hoof whilst you pick out the mud? If you have an old feed bucket, mix a solution of Dettol and drop his foot into it for fifteen minutes a day. It will go a long way towards treating thrush if you can't be hands on. Also, how old is he? My oldie cannot lift his hind legs for very long now.

 

[splashgirl45]

The first sign of stifle problems with my mare was that she suddenly wouldn’t lift one hind so maybe get the vet to check if this is a sudden behaviour

 

[alibali]

I suspect he is anticipating pain from having his sore foot picked out/thrush treated OR he has pain in the opposite leg/hoof which is bearing extra weight when you raise that hoof. Think as others suggested it might be worth consulting the vet

 

[lynz88]

Was a sign of SI problems with mine