picking out my horses feet

Question
I have recently bought a fell mare aged 16 and she seems to have a real issue over allowing me to pick her feet up to clean them out.With the fronts she will take them really high and bicycle them wildly in the air.On the hinds she will snatch them away and sometimes hop about.
She is not a nervous mare and is easily handled in all other respects despite being blind in her right eye from birth. I notice she is worse when I try to pick out the hind foot on the side she is without sight on and I am therefor careful to talk to her when I am on that side, but she tries to push me against the wall on that side and is reluctant to move over away from me.When the vet checked her over for me before I took her he wondered at first if she was a shiverer which I understand is a neurological problem, but after examining her further he said she was not.I have to say that in the 5 days she has been with me I have not allowed her to get away with it, but despite achieving a pick out on each foot each day it does not seem to be improving and the time involved is considerable.I have booked the farrier as her feet are in need of trimming, and I am wondering if she will indeed allow him to shoe her.I understand she has not been shod in the time she was with her previous owner some 10 years. I would be grateful if you could give me some advice.

Answer
Hi Mandy,

Your mare is probably not ready for the farrier just yet.  If you can, postpone the appointment for another two weeks while you work with her.

Horses can be difficult with their feet if they've not been trained correctly, if too many unskilled people handle their feet, or if someone has damaged the trust with the horse.  In your case, any of these could be possible, and I am sure her blindness contributes to the issue.

When working with her front feet: Once you have her hoof firmly in your hand and she begins jerking around, firmly bend her foot upward towards her fetlock. The moment she relaxes praise her and give her a carrot so that she associates a reward with the process. Just be sure in doing so that you don't completely drop her foot allowing it to slam down.

With her back feet, especially on the side where she pushes you against the wall, begin a few sessions just leaning your shoulder into her hips to get her to shift her wait. Again reward her once she shifts.  Eventually you can integrate picking up the hoof.

Begin this process patiently and immediately.  She should become manageable for the farrier in two weeks of doing this.  At that time, ask your farrier for further suggestions.  He/she will surely be happy to offer further advice in getting this training completed!

Hope this helps!  If your farrier has no advice and you still need help, then feel free to ask a follow up!  Thank you!