Cleaning Your Horse's Hooves

they keep you away from posts and walls you could get knocked into if your horse acts up. Most people start on the front near side.
Your horse should be taught to lift its foot willingly. There are several ways to cue the horse. Some people tap on the chestnut. Some may twist or pull up on the chestnut but that shouldnt be necessary. Others pinch lightly just above the pastern joint along the tendon at the back. The horse should pick its foot up allowing you to support the hoof in one handusually the left if youre righthanded. The other hand

handles the hoof pick.
Use the hoof pick to clear out dirt matted hay or straw manure and any other debris. Work from heel to toe paying careful attention to the cleft around the frog. A stiff brush which some hoof picks have attached is nice for brushing away the bits of dirt and chaff. You might like an illuminated hoof pick for getting a good look at the nooks and crannies that are hard to see if the light isnt good. Clean off the sole and pick gently around the area of the hoof just to the inside of the hoof wall. This is the white line and you dont want to jab into this area as its a bit softer than the rest of the hoof. But this can be an entry point for things like grit and small stones which can lead to seedy toe or white line disease. 2The frog also is softer and more sensitive so be careful not to pick too aggressively in this area.
Hoof cleaning should be a part of your daily routine and along with a clean environment a healthy diet and the regular attention of a farrier contributes greatly to hoof health.