how do you handle a horse who dislikes having his feet handled?

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Tizzy01

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A friend has started riding a new horse who dislikes having his back feet picked out. As far as the owner is aware he has not had any bad experiences but will literally tie himself in knots to stop you from picking up back feet. He is shod so the farrier obviously manages it, owner states she stuffs him full of polos to distract him. This is obviously not ideal on a day to day basis though and aparantly she doesn't bother picking out his back feet at all
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Any ideas for getting him used to having his back feet handled? I advised trying to touch his back legs every day gradually getting further down and stopping when he reacts then repeating the next day. Would you agree this is the way forward or does anyone else have any advise?
 
Is he ok with having his back legs stroked? When B was a baby I couldn't pick her feet up at all coz she was so scared
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I got her used to having her legs stroked then put a rope round one (not tied or anything) and tugged it gently while I stood at her head. Once she got better at it I got closer and closer to her back legs while doing it until I just used my hands
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The whole process took about two weeks
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The method suggested to you was what we did with our little mare when we got her, she was a rescue case, so we thought she had probably had a bad experience. It worked really well, and haven't had problems since, but it did take a while to acheive! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
 
Thats fab advise thanks, I think I was on the right lines with the advise I gave then but the rope sounds like a great idea. I am not sure about touching the back legs as I haven't met said horse yet. I will ask friend tomorrow and pass on your ideas!
 
Also - get her to watch the farrier when he's there. A friend's horse was bad at having his feet picked up and she discovered the farrier was being really rough with him
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(farrier always did whole yard when she was at work).
 
i used a stick and rubbed/patted the legs SEVERAL times a day,starting at the top of the leg and working down.
i used polos and a good old pat for a reward.
i stood level with the front legs,close in to the horse and facing backwards.

i think they got bored hopping about and are good with feet within a week.
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when i 1st pick up a youngsters feet properly,i put the foot down before they decide to,holding it a little longer each time.

hope this helps.
i can pick all our youngsters feet out in the field if need be without a headcoller.
 
Timing is important. For example, if you have the rope around the leg with a little bit of pressure, you must only release when the horse gives, even if only a tiny bit. Don't let the horse shake the rope off by kicking and then start again. Reward the try, reward relaxation, don't reward the wrong thing. Think about what you are teaching and you'll get it right.
 
Definately get him used to getting legs stoked every day as much as possible. If you start at the top of the leg and if he stands still then praise and walk away, aiming to get further down the leg every time. As soon as he starts misbehaving, go back a step. Try what Monty Roberts does and use an extended hand - keeps you safer and you will be able to be in more control of the horse while you touch the back leg.

hope that helps and good luck!
 
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