Ideas on how to stop this annoying habit??

[Jinete12]

Hi

My boy has recently developed a really irritating habit; as soon as I go to pick up one of his hooves, he moves! Sounds really trivial I know, but it's soo frustrating. I've only had him since April and he's always been fine about having his hooves picked out.

A few weeks ago he had a hoof abscess and I poulticed it morning and night - I always changed the bandages when he was eating as it worked out easy that way. It seems to be ever since then that he thinks he shouldn't have to have his feet picked up unless he has his nose in a bowl of food.

When I do pick his feet up, he doesn't stand for long before slamming it down again. He's not lame, has no pain in his feet etc. I can only think I've made a rod for my own back by feeding him when changing the poultices. It's even more annoying at the moment as I had a fall last week and am a bit fragile and less able to hold his foot up when he's trying to put it down!

Any suggestions on how I can cure this habit would be most welcome

 

[Bettyboo222]

The only thing I can suggest is be firm, Pick it up and hold it if he pulls away pick it up and carry on. Even if you have finished and he pulled away pick it up hold it then put it down to show that he can't put it down till your ready. Foxy used to to this so I did what I have said I also said up in a stern voice and no in a angry voice when he pulled away, also if you a walking in hand. stop and ask for hoof

 

[Jinete12]

Thanks Bettyboo. I've been doing all of that so far, but haven't tried asking for his hoof when I'm leading him. Might give that a go to give him the idea that I can pick it up whenever I want and see if it helps.