How to Tie Up a Horse's Hind Foot

A horse that refuses to let anyone handle his feet for shoeing or fights veterinary care can become dangerous. Biting, kicking and front hoof pawing are weapons used by horses to fight off predators in the wild. A domestic horse that does not want to cooperate will do the same to an unwelcome human. Tying up a hind foot is a means of controlling such a horse by putting him off balance without hurting him. This allows for veterinary care or for the raised hoof to be shod.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope, 1 inch diameter cotton
  • Halter with lead rope
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Halter the horse and have a second person hold the lead rope to control the horse. Use a panic snap between the lead rope and halter if the horse must be tied to a solid object.

    • 2

      Wrap one end of the rope around the horse's neck and tie a bowline knot, forming a loop around the neck that is half again larger than the circumference of the neck. When the rope is pulled toward the back of the horse the loop will slide down around the base of the neck with the bowline in the middle of the horse's shoulder. This is how a properly made loop should fit.

    • 3

      Stand on the side the bowline loop is on and pass the rope between the horse's rear legs. Bring it back to your side of the horse making a loop across the backside of the rear leg. Work the rope down the backside of the leg until it is on the back side of the pastern of the leg.

    • 4

      Move to the horse's front legs and pull the end of the rope until both sides of rope from the bowline to the hoof are taut. Slip the end of the rope under the neck loop keeping the rope taut.

    • 5

      Pull the rope slowly forward bringing the horse's hoof off the ground. Bring the hoof up until the leg is pushed up in a natural position with the hoof forward 18 to 24 inches above the ground and the hock joint bent up. Do not continue to pull past the point where the leg stops naturally.

    • 6

      Tie the end of the rope onto the neck loop with a quick release knot so the knot can be quickly pulled loose to free the horse if he should fall. The hoof is tied up and forward in a controlling position without putting pain on the horse.