SHERLOCK'S PAGE 5
Hoof Care

"Lifting the Front Foot"    

 Before you expect your farrier to trim your foal’s hooves while your foal is tied, be sure you have thoroughly conditioned your foal to all of the portions of the experience.  You should have handled your foal all over his body so he doesn’t have any “ticklish” spots that the farrier or his hat might trigger. Be sure you can handle your foal’s legs from top to bottom without him reacting in fear or disrespect.  Your foal should have had frequent tying lessons (refer to previous article); he should stand patiently with no pulling, pawing, mincing, or chewing.  He should be able to be groomed and handled while tied with no one “baby-sitting” him at his head.

     These photos were taken of Sherlock at 2 months of age with Sassy tied nearby. Note the dry, level area with a safe tie area.  The foal is tied high and to an inner tube.

     Richard makes sure Sherlock is standing square before he lifts a front leg.  He holds Sherlock’s leg low and in a plane that is parallel to Sherlock’s body, not out to the side where it could become uncomfortable to the foal’s joints.  For training, Richard holds the hoof in his right hand and keeps his left arm ready to discourage inquisitive sniffing or nibbling or to place in front of Sherlock’s chest if he starts to walk forward.

     At this size, many farriers trim the foal’s hooves by holding the hoof in the left hand and rasping with the right.  Later when the foal is a bit taller, the farrier will want to put the foal’s leg between his legs, so you’ll need to practice that before the foal is 4 months old.

“Lifting the Hind Foot – Stage 1”

     When lifting Sherlock’s hind leg for the first time when he is tied and unattended at the head, Richard first lifts the leg straight up and then brings it slightly forward which allows the foal to balance.  Note that Richard puts his left arm over Sherlock’s back to help him balance and to give him confidence.  Richard holds Sherlock’s leg in this position for progressively longer periods of time, letting him get used to balancing on 3 legs.

“Lifting the Hind Foot – Stage 2”

     After Sherlock is confident with the preceding, Richard draws his leg straight back, again, in a straight line, not out to the side.  He holds his left hand under the fetlock and handles the hoof and leg with his right hand.  The foal’s hind hooves can be trimmed this way but eventually the farrier will want to rest the foal’s leg on his lap so he has both hands free to work.  This requires that you handle your foal often enough so that when the farrier is working on him, the foal can be put on the “honor system” and not pull his foot away.

     Sherlock is inspecting the lead rope for possible use as a pacifier but the rope has been treated with an anti-chew product so he just gives a sniff.