Answer

By Your Horse

Natural Horsemanship Expert Charles Wilson replies:

Flight is a horse’s only defence in the natural world, so when we hold up their feet we deprive them of this ability.
● Spend lots of time with him in the stable, making a fuss of him, moving quietly but confidently. Stroke downhis shoulder and towards his legs. Look for the tiniest difference in his demeanour to learn when he is just about to go down. Gradually, he will be able to tolerate your hand stroking lower.
● Next, stroke him with a rope bunched up in your hand, letting it dangle down his shoulder and front legs. When he’s happy, gently swing the rope so it wraps around his legs (one at a time), starting with the front. If he kicks, let him; work calmly with him until he relaxes. Reward his good behaviour by giving him a rest.
● Then, loop the rope around the fetlocks and lift his feet. The front feet need a sideways pull and then a lift to raise the foot off the ground; with the hind feet, pulling the foot forward while you stand by the shoulder is safest. Be patient.
● When he will lift a foot from the rope and hold it up for a few seconds without tension or fear, run your hand down his leg and try pulling his foot forward. When he is happy, lift his foot and pull it back into the normal picking out position.