Ask The Trainer

A friend's horse has a nasty kicking habit. She is ok with "mom" but if anyone else picks up her back feet she starts kicking. I attended your clinic in Sidney beginning of May and saw your demonstration with "Riley". I have practiced the "lead with the foot" on my own mare who is generally quite quiet, but was hoping you might be able to give us a quick review to be sure we are clear about when to give and when to push before going to work on the kicker. Of course we don't want to inadvertantly encourage kicking! Thanks!

When asking a horse to lead by its feet first I like to gently swing the lead rope around its feet and legs. It is important to let the horse move around when you are doing this. This can sometimes help teach a horse that it does not need to kick. Be casual about it when doing this so the horse can realize that you are not intent on hurting it. When actually leading it by the feet wrap the tail end of a long lead rope around its leg just below the fetlock. Then pull on it until the foot comes off the ground. Hold the foot until the horse commits itself to shifting its weight and putting the foot down. If he tries to slam the foot down or pull it back just maintain the same amount of pressure until he puts it down comfortably. If you pull slightly off to the side you will be pulling the horse off balance and he will have to give it to you.

The release is very important. The faster the reward the quicker he will learn what you expect. Always try to give the foot back to him BEFORE he takes it away. If he learns to take it away he will continue to do so. Each time he gets away it will become harder to hold it until he learns the reward comes from giving to pressure rather than fighting it. Only ask for one step at a time.

When this horse is comfortable being led by its feet someone other than the regular handler has to repeat the exercise. It would be beneficial if the farrier would agree to work with the horse this way before he/she starts.

Horses that are bad with their feet often do not have an issue with their feet. They have an issue with not having enough trust in the person handling the feet. With no trust it is difficult for a flight animal to give up its primary defense mechanism. When a horse feels that it can not run it will stand and fight. Kicking is just another defense.

Will Clinging 2004 (c)

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