Picking up yearling feet

[Hanw1]

Hi all
Just after advice... next step with my 3 yr old gelding is teaching to pick his feet / legs up.
He was originally a feral pony ... I got him off the mountains as a rescue 1 month ago... but you wouldn’t think it.... he will stand and be groomed for hours etc very friendly and very keen to learn ....
I can groom his legs with a brush and rub my hand all the way down all 4 legs without him even flinching ... good as gold!!
I have started to put more pressure when running hand down his front legs encouraging him to pick front feet up... he picks leg up sometimes but then steps straight back afterwards .... is this normal? He does understand what I want him to do... I just want different ideas on how some other people go about it??
Thanks!!! X

 

[splashgirl45]

he is likely to be moving his leg away from pressure so not understanding as such. best thing to do is praise as soon as he lifts leg and dont try and force him to hold it up, even though he is very good with everything else, as they are flight animals he will feel a little worried that he may not be able to run. you have got a good reaction from him so just go very slowly and hold his leg up for slightly longer each time, dont bring it up as high as he would need for farrier, just so it is off the ground, sounds like you have done a good job so far , can we see a pic of the boy?

 

[Hanw1]

he is likely to be moving his leg away from pressure so not understanding as such. best thing to do is praise as soon as he lifts leg and dont try and force him to hold it up, even though he is very good with everything else, as they are flight animals he will feel a little worried that he may not be able to run. you have got a good reaction from him so just go very slowly and hold his leg up for slightly longer each time, dont bring it up as high as he would need for farrier, just so it is off the ground, sounds like you have done a good job so far , can we see a pic of the boy?

Thank you very much .... would you tie up and work with legs or get someone to hold him whilst working g with legs ?
Yes my bumbag is ALWAYS full with carrots to praise as soon as he lifts it .... what about if he just moves away to the side? Technically still picking foot up... but really only to move?

Thank you, he has come on so much and I’m a very proud owner!! Thank you again xx

 

[Hanw1]

he is likely to be moving his leg away from pressure so not understanding as such. best thing to do is praise as soon as he lifts leg and dont try and force him to hold it up, even though he is very good with everything else, as they are flight animals he will feel a little worried that he may not be able to run. you have got a good reaction from him so just go very slowly and hold his leg up for slightly longer each time, dont bring it up as high as he would need for farrier, just so it is off the ground, sounds like you have done a good job so far , can we see a pic of the boy?

Here some pics xx

 

[splashgirl45]

he looks cute...good luck with him