AboutChristine Sizemore Expertise I can answer questions for horse owners who would like to have their horses go barefoot (without shoes) and can also answer questions related to hoof care.
Experience Barefoot trimmer since 2003, rehabilitation of problem feet, transition of horses from shoes to barefoot, work with horse owners to make the appropriate decision re: shoes or no shoes, train horse owner to perform basic hoof care between trims.
Education/Credentials MS and PhD. in Biology, Horse owner, extensive continuing education in hoof care and trimming.
Past/Present Clients Thoroughbreds, quarterhorses, arabians, gaited horses, one draft :-); current clients are trail horses, pleasure horses, geriatric horses with arthritis, pony club hunters, jumpers. All barefoot and maintained to be best at their intended use without shoes.
Expert: Christine Sizemore Date: 1/23/2008 Subject: Training to hold up feet
Question I have a 3.5 year old Morgan/Arabian gelding who is barefoot and untrained to pick up his feet. I am wondering if you have any tricks to offer to help me train him to lift and hold his feet for trimming. I have had him for one month and have been unable to get him to keep his front feet up for me, he will pick them up, then start pawing forward to get me to release hold. I make sure that I am close to him and not holding his leg at an unnatural angle, I am also very gentle and patient with him. I plan to take my time training him to ensure we get things right. I have not even attempted lifting his back legs at all (we are still getting to know one another and I do not want to lose his trust... or get a hoof print on my face!!)
Any advise on how to get him to hold his feet up??
Answer Hello Christena,
Congratulations on your gelding...and on being willing to teach him how to lift his feet!
I posted below the links to 2 articles that I think are excellent in giving great advice for how to go about this part of training...hope you will find one of them useful! http://www.downunderhorsemanship.com/articles/legs.html
http://www.horsekeeping.com/hoof_care_and_lameness/behavior_for_shoeing.htm
