When picking out a hind foot, always start from the shoulder and work your way down their back to the hind leg. This prevents you startling the horse and possibly getting kicked.
Stand at the side of the shoulder, facing towards the rear of the horse. Put your hand on the top of their back.
Move your hand along the horse’s back towards their hindquarters.
Run your hand down the outside of their hind leg.
At the hock area, run your hand down the back of their hind leg towards the fetlock.
When your hand reaches the back of the fetlock the horse should pick up their foot.
If they don’t pick up their leg: give them a voice command “pick up”, squeeze the back of the leg or lean against their hindquarters until they comply.
Support their foot with your hand as they pick it up.
Pass your hand around the front of their leg and hold the hoof from the inside.
This allows your arm to follow the movement of the horse’s hind leg, and prevents your elbow from being jarred if they object.
