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Picking out hooves

Removing dirt, small stones and manure from the hoof with a hoof pick, usually every day.

Picking out hooves: Removing dirt, small stones and manure from the hoof with a hoof pick, usually every day.

✓Daily care you can do yourself. If in doubt, call a farrier or vet.

What it is for

Daily picking out keeps the hoof clean, lets you see the sole and frog, and helps you catch problems like thrush or a lodged stone early.

Safe steps

  1. Secure the horse safely or have someone hold it.
  2. Stand beside the leg, facing the tail, and ask calmly for the hoof.
  3. Pick from heel toward toe, away from yourself, and clear the grooves beside the frog.
  4. While you work, notice smell, shape and anything stuck.

Do not do yourself

  • Do not dig or cut into the soft frog or the sensitive centre.
  • Do not use a sharp knife to pare away horn; that is a professional's job.
  • Do not pull out a deeply lodged object if it causes pain; have the vet look.

When to call a professional

If you find a puncture, nail or glass shard in the hoof, or the hoof smells strongly rotten, have it assessed by the farrier or vet.

Discover more

Daily hoof checkFrogThrushTest your knowledge in the quizAll hoof topics

Sources: British Horse Society · Blue Cross.