Using a Hoof Pick in Horse Grooming

In horse grooming, the use of a hoof pick is an important part of the routine, because it can help to remove rocks, dirt or debris from hooves. Find out how to gentle use a hoof pick on a horse with help from an equestrian riding instructor in this video on horse grooming.

Hello, my name is Chelsey Sawtell, Primary Riding Instructor at Black Friar Farm in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. Today, we're going to discuss hoof picking and basic hoof care of your horse. Picking hooves is a very important part of your grooming routine. Without it, you could not know if your horse has rocks, dirt or debris caught in his hooves that could cause stone bruising or otherwise discomfort or lameness. While picking your horse's hooves, you're going to want to check for loose nails, loose shoes, rocks or debris that could be lodge in the horse's hoof, the integrity of the frog and overall condition of the hoof wall. To ask the horse to pick up its foot, stand facing the rear of the horse. Gently run your hand down the shoulder and apply pressure to the tendons that run down the back of the leg. As the horse raises its foot, cradle its hoof in your hand using your opposite hand to hold the hoof pick and remove any dirt and debris. Once the hoof is thoroughly picked, check the frog, check the sole and the underside of the foot. Does it look healthy without any sign or obvious odor that could show that there's something wrong? Check the shoe; make sure that it is tight and that all clinches are pressed into the hoof wall properly. The hoof pick can be used in several different manners to remove dirt from the horse's foot. My preference is to hold in the palm of my hand where I can the leverage to remove any kind of gravel that might be between the frog and the horse's sole. When completed, set the hoof down and apply oil or some other type of conditioner to help the hoof maintain its moisture properties. In conclusion, picking your horse's feet is a good way to check for any stone bruising or infections of the frog or sole and a good way to make sure that your horse's shoes are tight and properly attached.