I need some help on training my colt to let me pick his feet.......?

Question

he wont keep himself still and he has a problem of moving forward as he goes...ive tried like what they say ""if they want to move keep them moving"" well Ive been doing this for about 4 months and it isnt working. and I am getting a Clinton Anderson tape in a month or so but I figured I need help now because my next door neighbor is a farrier and he will be coming over soon to trim him....I would ask him but for some reason he hasnt been home like at all because of all his customers....soo if you could help I would appreciate it.

Answer 1

How old is your guy? At first they do have to learn how to balance on the other 3 legs - then they find out they can do other things too, like climb up on your farrier (mine did this the 2nd time his feet were trimmed).

Have someone hold his head so he's not moving too much - preferrably pick his feet in his stall to start. Pick the foot up while saying "Foot" - so that way he knows what you want. Start with the front feet, then move to the back. BE CONSISTENT in the way that you ask! I move my hand down the back of the cannon bone (flexor tendon) to the fetlock joint each and every leg, while saying "Foot". When he picks it up for you, hold it up high and tight. He'll try to take it away, but don't let him. If he does get his foot back, immediately pick it up again. Don't hold the foot any longer than you have to - get the job done, but don't rush like you're afraid of him either. Make sure when you are done that YOU give his foot back to him - don't let him take it out of your hand when he wants.

Talk to your farrier as well - s/he will be able to show you how to hold his foot so you won't get kicked. You're farrier will be happy to do this!! They want your horse to stand still for trimmings/shoeing just as much as you do - it makes their job so much easier!!

Good luck! =D

Answer 2

well, tie him to a fence and put another panel beside hime on the opposite side u are on......when he tries to go forward, he'll see the fence and when he tries to go sideways he'll hit the fence on his side............u can put him in a corner too