groomingsafetycare⏱ 12 min
Picking Hooves Safely
A safe step-by-step routine for cleaning hooves with an instructor.
Steps to Follow
1
Ask your instructor to confirm the safe spot to stand.
✓
I’m close to the horse’s side.
2
Run your hand down the leg slowly and ask for the hoof the way you were taught.
✓
Horse shifts weight calmly.
3
Hold the hoof low and close to your body for balance.
✓
My back stays straight.
4
Pick from heel toward toe. Avoid poking the frog.
✓
Hoof looks clean.
5
Lower the hoof gently back to the ground (don’t drop it).
✓
Hoof placed softly.
6
Tell an adult if you see rocks, cracks, heat, or swelling.
✓
I reported anything unusual.
What You Need
🛠 hoof-pick