Approach and Ask for the Foot
Run a hand down the leg and give a light squeeze or verbal cue near the fetlock to ask the horse to lift its foot, rather than forcing it up.
Clean from Heel to Toe
Use the hoof pick to clear packed dirt and debris starting at the heel and working toward the toe, avoiding the softer frog with excess pressure.
Check for Problems as You Go
Look for signs of thrush (a foul smell or dark discharge), embedded stones, or loose shoes while you clean each hoof.
Make It Routine
Picking hooves daily, ideally before and after riding, prevents small issues like thrush or packed debris from turning into lameness.
← Back to Horse Articles