How to Clean a Horse's Hoof

Cleaning the horse's hooves should be a regular grooming habit for all riders. You should clean a horse's hooves before and after riding. While cleaning, look for lodged rocks, packed dirt and any health concerns.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin on the left foreleg. Stand at the horses shoulder, facing their back. Run your hand down the leg, bending as you do so, until you reach the ankle. Many well-trained horses may automatically shift their weight and allow you to pick up the hoof at this point. However, some require you to lean on their shoulder as an extra signal.

2. Pick up the animals hoof, flexing it upward at the ankle. You should be looking down at the bottom of the horse's hoof.

3. Using a hoof pick, pick out the debris around the circular part of the horses hoof. Avoid the V-shaped soft area called the "frog."

4. Repeat the steps for the remaining hooves. The back hooves are more difficult to clean, as they flex differently and the horse may keep them closer to the ground. You must bend over farther.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the health of your animal's hooves while you are cleaning them. Note any putrid smell, discoloration and swelling or tenderness, all of which may indicate a disease.
• Never use the hoof pick on the V-shaped frog area of the horses hoof. This area is sensitive and has nerve endings in it. It doesn't generally hold onto debris like the rest of the hoof. If it does, clean it gently.
• Never approach the horse quickly or pick up a hoof without warning. Horses are animals of habit, so habitually sliding your hand from the top of the leg to the hoof helps you to avoid a kick.