Handling the Horse's Legs

May 1, 2011
Chris Thomas

It Can be Easier to Handle the Young Horse's Legs - C. Thomas

When educating the horse, it's important to make sure they're comfortable with having their legs handled. Some methods for going about this are considered.

Why handle the horse’s legs? This can be of benefit to anyone that may come to be working with the horse. It’s helpful for:

picking out feet
grooming the horse
treating any leg wounds or foot problems such as an abscess

It is especially important that a horse be used to having its legs handled when it comes to the farrier being able to pick up, trim and shoe the horse’s feet. Although a flight animal, horses can react with bites and kicks when fearful. It isn’t uncommon for them to strike out or kick when first having their legs handled.

Consequently, it’s important to go about this aware and in as safe a manner as possible. The use of personal protective equipment should be considered when handling horses.

Initial Handling of the Equine’s Legs

When first handling the horse’s legs, sessions should be carried out frequently, but over a short time frame, perhaps one or two sessions daily, for around half an hour. Things should be ended on a good note, which may require not going as far as planned. Always when working with horses, the handler should make sure he or she has plenty of time and patience so as not to rush the horse, thus avoiding a difficult session.

It’s possible to make use of different implements to aid in handling the horse’s legs. Some may be especially necessary if the horse is prone to kicking out at any pressure. These include:

hands
brushes
poly pipe or a stick
water

Once the horse has been introduced to a head collar and lead, it should be possible in a small area, such as a yard or stable, to hold the horse and use one hand to run down the horse’s legs from shoulder to hoof. A routine should be established and repeated each time so that the horse can become familiar with how you work. Some may choose to focus on the forelegs first and then the hinds while others may work on the nearside, both fore and hind limbs and then the off side of the horse.

When touching the horse’s legs, it’s important to be aware of when they’re becoming uncomfortable. Removal of pressure acts as a reward to the horse and so should be done before the horse starts to react, if possible. Always stopping at a point where the horse is comfortable is the goal and this may require going to a certain point, backing off and going again until the horse is less reactive.

For the horse that is particularly reactive, the use of a long stick or piece of poly pipe may assist in touching the horse’s legs without fear of getting kicked. This item should be used to apply pressure up and down the horse’s leg – not for hitting them when they kick.

Water can work in a similar way and is a way of consistently applying pressure until the horse learns to stand still. It’s important to realise that when the horse is doing what is required, the pressure should be removed to reward them.

Balance and the Young Horse

For horses that aren’t used to picking up their feet, it may be difficult for them to balance on three legs. Making use of a wall or corner can help in this regard. It also means the horse is less able to move away from your contact. A horse shouldn’t be forced into a corner but the use of one may help withbalance.

Always, when working with horses and trying something for the first time, patience and persistence should be employed. If unsure, help should be sought from a horse person who is experienced in that area. Always consider too, the safety of the horse and handler.