Never Lift a Horse’s Hoof—Teach Him to Offer It to You!

When I train horses, I emphasize cooperation and mutual responsibility. When I’m about to clean their hooves, my horse is fully awake and attentive! I teach him to lift his hoof when I approach with the hoof pick, using this as a measure of his willingness to engage. If a horse suddenly becomes uncooperative in lifting his legs, I’ll take note: maybe it’s his mood, a lack of motivation for training, or even fear. My goal is to identify and address the root cause of his behavior.

While a horse stands on four points of support, lifting just one of those points might seem simple enough, but in reality, it’s often far more challenging. Anyone who’s worked with horses has likely encountered one that resists hoof cleaning. Teaching a horse to safely lift its legs is a fundamental responsibility for every horse owner—something that should not be left to the farrier. A farrier can even refuse to trim hooves if a horse isn’t properly prepared for it. Before labeling a horse as “stubborn” or “uncooperative,” we should first consider the reasons why this “simple” task might be challenging.

Horses are flight animals, and they need all four strong legs ready to escape. Some of you may have noticed young colts playfully nipping each other’s fetlocks, and how they nearly “bow” on their front legs to protect them. The head, legs, and flank are especially guarded. An injured horse is vulnerable, a potential prey for predators. So, giving up a hoof may seem like a serious risk.

In fact, horses feel anxious if something grasps or restricts their legs, and certain breeds, especially hot-blooded ones, are particularly sensitive. Perhaps you’ve seen a horse panic after getting tangled in a rope or during its first time wearing leg wraps.

Another key factor is the bond between you and your horse. If a horse doesn’t fully trust you, standing on three legs might feel risky. For a horse that’s always ready to bolt, it can seem completely illogical.

What to Do?

Start with desensitizing the legs. Using the approach-and-retreat method, gradually accustom your horse to different touches. Stand safely between his nose and shoulder, then gently brush his legs with a lunge whip, a rope, a brush on a long handle, or even a plastic bag. Use creativity here, as the aim is to help him get used to sensation without fear. When the horse relaxes and shows no reaction, only then carefully reach down for the hoof.

Balance, especially in young or less balanced horses, can be a big factor. If a horse leans into you or struggles, it’s likely a balance issue rather than stubbornness. Instead of struggling with a 500-kilogram animal, try to help him find a secure stance before asking for a hoof. Make sure he’s balanced and his legs are positioned well.

Could past experiences also play a role? Perhaps someone in a hurry lost patience and forced the hoof up. Stressful or rushed situations during hoof cleaning or farrier work can leave lasting impressions. For some horses, it takes time and calm handling to associate hoof work with safety and ease.

Pain can be another factor. A horse experiencing body soreness or hoof discomfort might resist transferring extra weight onto a sore leg. Avoid forcing the issue; instead, address any pain source, then calmly reintroduce the hoof lift. Patience and emotional control are crucial. Immediate results shouldn’t be expected. Also, if a horse lifts his hoof well one day, it doesn’t mean the issue is fully resolved. Practice consistently in different scenarios—ask him to lift his hooves in the stable, arena, in the morning, or even on a wooden bridge or over poles. These varied settings will help solidify the skill.

Safety First!

When addressing hoof issues, always hold a training rope and work in a safe area for both you and your horse. Horses can quickly jerk a leg or strike out unexpectedly, so safety is paramount. If the problem persists or feels overwhelming, seek help from a professional.

The safest approach for asking for a hoof lift is to position yourself facing the horse’s head, close to his shoulder, where you can watch his expression. If you see signs of fear, uncertainty, or frustration, focus on trust-building exercises first. Engage in groundwork to improve his attention and understanding of your space. If he shows positive interest, slowly slide your hand down his leg and press gently on the chestnut (a natural pressure point), signaling him to lift his leg on his own. Reward every effort, even if he just lightens the load on that leg. Once he lifts his hoof, don’t grab it; allow him to set it back down. With repeated, gentle practice, you can begin holding the leg longer for hoof cleaning.

For hind legs, position yourself with wide-set feet and parallel to his body. Hold the rope and mane at the withers with one hand, using the other to slide down toward the hock. Gently lift and scoop the hoof under the barrel. Only when he’s steady should you extend his leg back for cleaning.

Training a horse to lift his hooves willingly is essential for safe handling and can even begin as a game with a foal. If a horse resists, try to understand the cause rather than simply addressing the symptom.

So, never lift a horse’s leg—teach him to offer it to you! 😊


Ola Najman