HOW TO MAKE YOUR HORSE LIFT HIS HOOVES ON COMMAND
To do this trick your horse must be happy for you to handle their legs and hooves, and to pick out their feet easily with no stress.
If you find this difficult, read the “lifting feet” and “desensitizing” articles in the problem solving section before you progress to this trick.
Remember- do the foundation pieces well and the rest will come easily.
Slowly is quickly in the end.
With this trick it is very important that you use a noise before treating. This is because originally I did not do this and my horse would continually lift his leg to get treats, sometimes striking out, causing many a bruised shin. He was just doing what I had taught him, not being nasty.
Make your horse stand.
Say “up” and touch the leg you want him to lift.
If he-
A- Lifts the leg MYNAT
B- Just stands there then run your hand down his leg whilst saying “up”. If he still does not lift his leg use your method to lift his foot clearly saying “up”. When he lifts his foot MYNAT. Keep repeating making the aids less and less.
Keep repeating until you can just say “up” and point to a leg for him to lift the leg.
Final Thoughts
This is an easy trick to teach your horse and also has a real benefit in his care.
A horse has to have great trust in you to lift his feet, as this is his means of escape, so it is a good trick to teach in order to deepen your connection.