The Guide to Picking Up Feet

We all know how to pick up a pony's feet, don't we? Many of us pick our pony's feet out every day, without even thinking about what we're doing, it's that easy.

But what about how it feels from the pony's point of view? A lot of people pick up a foot by grabbing a handful of hair behind the pony's foot (the feather) and pulling upwards. They will even keep hold of the foot while they pick it out by keeping hold of that handful of hair.

Step 1 - ask nicely

If your pony doesn't understand that he has to lift his foot, ask a friend to rock him back a little. He should soon go to take a step back, in other words, he'll go to pick up his foot. When he does, stop pulling.

You might need to do this two or three times, but your pony will soon learn that when he lifts his foot you stop that annoying pulling. And then he will learn that if he lifts his foot when you even put your hand there you won't even pull at all.

That's how ponies learn.

Step 2 - hold nicely

Here's an exercise for you to try with your friends. One of you pretends to be the pony, and the other picks up her leg.

Firstly, when you have your friend's leg, hold on tight!

Then, hold your friend's leg as shown above, with her foot balanced in your hand. Ask her which feels nicer? You might even find that your friend wants to pull her leg away when you're holding tight.

Then swap round so you can feel the difference.

That's what our ponies feel too.

Step 3 - hind legs

Some ponies understand better if you put your hand round the fetlock and pull forwards. If your pony doesn't understand one way, try the other. If he still doesn't understand to lift his leg, you can again ask your friend to rock him back. As soon as he lifts his leg, stop pulling!

Step 4 - picking out feet

One final tip - when you have finished with your pony's foot, place it back on the ground gently. A lot of people just let go and walk off - that's not very polite, is it?

Be polite, be kind, and always say thank you.