Surgery and Radiology Section

RESTRAINT OF FRONT FOOT

• The manner in which the feet are restrained depends on how the horse has been handled.
• An animal that has been groomed daily and is accustomed to have its feet handled cooperates by picking up its feet.
• When the horse’s feet have never been handled, some training may be required. Sedatives or tranquilizers are helpful.
• Regardless of the horse, the approach is the same.
• The assistant stands at the animal’s head and the horse is encouraged to stand with its weight on all 4 legs so its weight can easily be shifted to 3 legs.
• The operator should make his presence and intentions known to the horse.
• If a front leg is to be raised, a hand is moved down the leg to the fetlock and the volar digital nerves are pinched or the hair below the fetlock is pulled. This usually prompts the horse to pick up the foot.
• Some horses require more force, such as pushing the animal onto the opposite leg while flexing the one being raised.
• If the horse’s foot is held between the operator’s knees to free his hands, the operator should crouch with his knees together and his toes pointed mediad.
• One should avoid pulling the horse’s foot or leg laterad because it is uncomfortable for the animal.