Is your horse kicking when you try to pick up its back feet? This can be a dangerous and frustrating issue for horse owners. But fear not, this comprehensive guide will discuss the possible causes, solutions, and preventative measures to help you and your horse overcome this problem.
Horse Kicks When Picking Up Back Feet Table of Contents
Why do horses kick when picking up back feet?
There are a variety of reasons why a horse may exhibit this behavior, including:
1. Pain or discomfort
A horse that is experiencing pain or discomfort may kick out when its back feet are being picked up. This could be due to a physical injury, muscle tightness, or an issue with the horse's hooves such as thrush or an abscess.
2. Fear or anxiety
Some horses may kick out of fear or anxiety, particularly if they associate having their back feet picked up with an unpleasant experience such as an injury during hoof care or being disciplined in the past.
3. Dominance behavior
In some cases, a horse may kick to assert dominance over its handler. This behavior can develop if the horse has not been properly trained and socialized, or if it has been allowed to successfully assert dominance in the past.
How to prevent and address kicking
To prevent and address kicking behavior in your horse, consider the following strategies:
1. Rule out medical issues
- Consult with your veterinarian to determine if there are any underlying health issues that may be causing your horse’s discomfort.
- Address any hoof issues such as thrush, abscesses, or poor hoof health with the help of a qualified farrier.
2. Build a positive association with hoof handling
- Start by lightly touching your horse's back legs and gradually work your way up to lifting the foot as they become comfortable with your touch.
- Offer plenty of praise and rewards, such as treats or scratches, to reinforce positive behavior and build trust with your horse.
3. Use desensitization techniques
- Introduce a stimulus such as a towel or a rope and gradually work your way up to lifting the foot with the stimulus. This can help your horse become accustomed to having its back feet lifted and less likely to react negatively in the future.
4. Consider professional assistance
- If you are struggling to address the problem on your own, consider enlisting the help of a professional horse trainer or behaviorist.
Horse Kicks When Picking Up Back Feet Example:
For a realistic example, let's consider a horse named Daisy who has become frightened of having her back hooves picked up due to a previous injury.
After ruling out any current medical issues with a veterinarian, Daisy's owner should begin by lightly touching her back legs and offering her treats and praise for remaining calm. Gradually, the owner should work up to lifting Daisy's back feet, rewarding her at each step of the process.
If Daisy continues to exhibit kicking behavior, her owner could try desensitizing her to the sensation of having her back feet lifted. This might involve introducing a towel or rope to progressively mimic the process of lifting her back feet. Finally, if the issue persists, Daisy's owner may decide to seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist to work on the issue.
By understanding the potential causes of kicking when picking up a horse's back feet and following the suggested prevention and training strategies, you can help your horse overcome this troublesome behavior. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow horse owners and explore other informative articles on the How to Own a Horse blog. Together, we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for both horses and their owners.
