Pro tip: A horse in Bend, Oregon taught me a new trick for a nervous foot

I was working on a big quarter horse last Tuesday who would not stand still for his back left. After three tries, I tried holding his foot up with my knee and using both hands to rasp the hoof wall in one smooth move. He settled right down and let me finish the whole trim. I think the steady pressure from my leg made him feel more secure. Has anyone else found a good way to handle a horse that picks up its foot but then fidgets?

3 comments

3 Comments

carter.reese27d ago

Ever try that trick on a front foot too?

the_pat27d ago

Yeah, that knee trick works on a front foot too, @carter.reese, just gotta shift your weight back a bit.

wadefoster8d ago

Works great on the front if you brace your hip.