How do you clean Shetland ponies hooves?

Answer 1

To clean a Shetland pony's hooves you will need a hoof pick and possibly some water. You'll need to pick each hoof up and use the hoof pick to 'flick' the mud out, remember ponies are sensitive around the frog of the hooves, so you shouldn't use the hoof pick by scraping the mud out towards you.

To pick up a front hoof, stand facing your ponies tail and run your hand down (this tells them what you're about to do) from your pony's shoulder to the hoof, as you get to the hoof say 'up' and pull the pony's hoof up. When you are cleaning it you'll probably need to hold the hoof with one hand.

To pick up a back hoof, again you stand facing your pony's tail and run your hand down the back of the ponies leg. Lift the hoof up towards you. Some ponies will kick out at this point so be careful.

You may want to wet the hoof to loosen any hard mud and make it easier to get out.

If you have never done this before I'd recommend that you ask someone experienced in this to help you the first couple of times. Always be aware that a pony may get spooked or frightened when this is being done and may kick out.