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Step 1
Groom your horse to remove any dirt, dust or mud from his coat and legs. If possible, wash him the day before or at least a few hours before seeing the farrier. Allow plenty of time for the horse to dry; farriers don't like working on wet horses.
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Step 2
Remove any oils, hoof polish or hoof creams from the horse's hooves. The hooves should be clean and dry and in a natural state.
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Step 3
Clean your horse's hooves with a hoof pick and brush. Clean out any mud, manure, rocks or other debris. Brush the bottom and sides of the hoof to clean the hoof completely.
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Step 4
Have the horse trained to pick up all of his hooves and stand quietly. Many horses need practice at doing this and waiting until the farrier is nailing on a shoe is not the proper time for a lesson.
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Step 5
Turn your horse out or longe him a bit before the farrier's visit to let him burn off excess energy. This will help him be quieter for the farrier.
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Step 6
Load the horse into a clean trailer if you are taking the horse to the farrier's barn. Try to have a calm trip for the horse so he is not nervous later when having his hooves trimmed.
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Step 7
Allow the horse a few minutes to urinate after unloading him from the trailer. Walk him around in a grassy area, if possible. Clean out his feet again if he steps in manure in the trailer.
