Tips for Cleaning Your Horse’s Hooves
Cleaning horse hooves is an essential part of keeping your horse happy and healthy. Luckily, cleaning the hooves of your horse is a relatively simple task. To guarantee the greatest amount of success when cleaning your horse’s hooves, be sure to keep these two tips in mind.
Tip #1: Tie Your Horse Securely
Before you begin the cleaning process, you must first ensure your horse it tied safely and securely. Keep in mind that crossties may be safer because they will help to keep you away from posts and walls if your horse decides to act up.
Tip #2: Establish a Cue
When cleaning your horse’s hooves, you need to be consistent about the process while also establishing a cue to let your horse know to lift its foot willingly. Most people start on the front, near side of the horse and then work their way around. There are several options that you may want to consider in terms of the cue that you use to signal when to lift the foot. Some common cues include:
- Tap on the horse’s chestnut
- Pinch lightly above the pastern joint and along the tendon at the back
The horse should then pick up the foot and allow you to support it with one hand. If you are right-handed, you will support the hoof with your left hand and pick with the right. With the hoof properly in place, you can now begin to clear the hoof as needed.