This is usually enough for the horse to pick its foot up. If not, run your hand down its leg and try gently squeezing the tendon down the back of the leg between the knee and fetlock (ankle). If this doesn't work, try gently squeezing the ergot (dried skin lump at the back of the fetlock under all the horse's hairy bits).

The horse will now pick its foot up (unless it is being really obstinate, in which case get the yard owner to help you!). Place your hand round the side of the hoof so that the heel of your hand in under the middle of the horse and your fingers are pointing towards you.

To pick out the feet, take the hoof pick in your non-hoof-holding hand and place it in the groove between the frog and the corner of the shoe. Pull the hoof pick down to the front of the hoof.

Repeat this on the other side of the frog. You may then need to clean around the edge of the hoof by the shoe. Do this in a similar manner, always working from the back of the foot to the front, away from the frog.

When you've finished lower the leg back down to the floor, don't just let it drop down.

To pick up the back feet, stand at the horse's hips, facing away from the horse's head. Run your hand down the leg and, if the horse does not pick its feet up, follow the advice given for the front feet.

Again, hold the foot by supporting the weight of the hoof in your hand as for the front feet.

In the summer, when the weather is dry, it can be advisable to but some hoof grease on the horse's feet to stop them drying out and cracking. This can either be painted on with a hoof oil brush or rubbed on with a cloth. It is important to treat both the sides and sole of the feet. Hoof oil can also be used to make the feet shine when going to shows, but is not advisable to use regularly as it can draw the natural oils out of the hoof. This is also applied with a hoof oil brush.

Next - an introduction to tack.