RMR Ranch & Wild Horse Foundation

P. O. Box 692

Franklin, Texas 77856

979 - 828 3927

www.wildhorsefoundation.org

Lesson 103

Learn to lift your horse's feet for the first time. Clinician Ray Field has demonstrated this process many times.  It's simple, safe and easy to use!

Be sure to attend one of our quarterly clinics on "Getting to Know Your Wild Horse and Burro".  Private clinics are offered.  Inquire with us!

1^St.

After you have gentled your horse or burro you want to start desensitizing the legs concentrating on touching around the hoof band.  Once you have started this by using either the pole method or crop pole continue until your horse relaxes.  A relaxed horse will be square and balanced and extended on all four feet.  Repeat this process four to five times rewarding your horse each time, positive reinforcement.  If your horse begins to kick, back off the pressure and retreat to a foundation point he is comfortable with, advance and retreat.  Gently apply pressure and work down to the hoof band.  Reward your horse when he does not kick, again positive reinforcement. 

2^nd.

After your horse feels the lead rope around the leg for a few moments, gently seesaw the lead rope around the leg until he becomes relaxed.  It is important that while working the leg and prepare to lift the leg, you watch for reactions from your horse.  Back off with the pressure just before he asks you, this gives you a head start by keeping the horse relaxed.  Lay the lead rope on the ground around his leg or get him to step into it.  Gently apply pressure by pulling the lead rope upward and toward you.  Firmly hold the lead rope and halter in one hand using your other hand to gently pull and lift the rope.  Reward your horse!

3^rd.

After you are comfortable using the lead rope to pick the horse's foot gradually increase the lifting time a few seconds.  Repeat this process four to five times at a minimum increasing seconds each time.  With the palm of your hand gently massage the horse with firm circular strokes on the shoulder working your way down the leg.  Start to flex his leg towards you at the knee and when your comfortable lift and release the leg.  Reward your horse with a gentle rub and release any and all pressure.  Step back and watch; make sure your horse is square in stance, balanced and disengaged, neck relaxed, back stretched and straight.  Slowly and gently repeat this process with your hand four to five times at a minimum increasing seconds each time.  Remember to reward your horse for doing a good job!

4^th.

Once you flex the leg and start to lift with your hand repeat the flex process four to five times building on range and motion.  Reward your horse after every flex segment (four to five lifts).  Always notice the stance of your horse. Make sure they stand comfortable and relaxed.  These same tips also work on the rear feet as well.  Make sure you are attentive to your horse when picking up his rear legs.   He will give you ques when he is not balanced or ready or when he is relaxed and proceed to the next leg.   Make sure you work together and safely. 

A word of Caution:  Do NOT hold your hand at the bottom of the hoof.  

5^th.

After working with each leg for several segments at a time make sure you always finish with the same leg you started with.  This keeps the horse relaxed and helps to build communication and understanding with your horse.  Before going to the next round pen exercise make sure your horse is well balanced.  What you do on the left side you must repeat on the right side.  Remember horses have two spheres in their brain right and left side.  Balance.  Remember to reward your horse for doing a good job!  You deserve a reward too!