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.

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.