Hoof care

Question
I am going to be buying a 2 year old paint filly who's owner rescued her from going to a slaughter house.  Somewhere along the line we figure that someone abused her while taking care of her hooves. Now, whenever her hooves are taken care of - I'm told - that she will rear and has even fallen backwards. I'm wondering if there's a way to help her along with - or other than - starting all over.

Answer
Hello.
Someone missed a step so you do have to start over. But it can be fun! Start with petting her shoulder and when she allows you move further and further down her leg. When that works for you both take the rope and rub it down her legs. When that works place the rope around her leg and rub it back and forth, all the way down to her hooves. When you can get it under her fetlock and rub around then you can add some pressure and see if you can ask her to take a step to the side. As soon as she steps, give. Think about how she just hasn't been touched in the spot enough so she doesn't know its okay. Play with her like this every day for a week and then let me know how she is with her feet. You guys did a great thing adopting that filly!
Best of Luck!