Horse who won't lift her hind hooves when I pick them out

Hi!

Lovely that you have a good-natured three-year-old, you have clearly laid a solid foundation of training and handling👍🐴

Here are a few questions to check:

🐴Has she always been difficult to lift the hindlegs on?

🐴Has she been checked by a vet and/or physiotherapist?

🐴Is she backed, or what sort of work do you do with her?

🐴Youngsters go through many phases as they grow up, both because they are growing and because we handle and train them in different ways. Stay alert to changes in their behaviour, adapt to them and find out whether they are uncomfortable in any way. Well done for noticing this and asking for advice!

🐴 A horse that is reluctant to lift the hindlegs may have discomfort or pain higher up in the body, so it need not be linked to the hooves at all. It may be tense from, for example, muscle soreness, a saddle that does not fit well, or a slip in the field.

I would recommend that you:

🐴Have a vet look at the horse, or a good physiotherapist who can see whether she has any tension that needs releasing or is in pain.

🐴 Get help from a good saddle fitter and check the tack fits. Sometimes they grow and change shape quickly.

🐴Always pick out the hooves with the horse tied up in the aisle. It can become dangerous if she protests while loose in the stable, since you are in an exposed position when you lift the hind feet.

🐴Get someone to give her hay or scratch her if the problem continues even after you have ruled out pain.

🐴Review your training plan with her. Is she getting enough rest and recovery? A three-year-old should not work much, around 3 days a week is the usual guide, and if you have already started jumping as you mentioned, it may be time to ease off the work and give her a proper rest.

🐴 Think about how you lift the hind feet. Hold the hoof firmly, lift the toe a touch while you hold it and support the leg with your arm. It is hard to describe, but try different ways of lifting and you will feel the difference.

🐴Teach a clear cue for "lift the hoof", and practise it often in short sessions. Start by just being able to stroke down the leg, then gradually move on to lifting the hoof very briefly before holding it long enough to pick it out.

🐴 Get help from someone experienced with young horses. Working on your horse's education alongside someone who knows more than you is always more fun, safer and more effective👍🐴😍

Good luck🦄