Horse glossary
Hoof Pick
A tool for cleaning the bottom of a hoof.
In Spanish: Limpia cascos
What it means
A hoof pick is a small tool with a blunt metal hook used to clean packed dirt, manure, and stones out of the bottom of a horse's hoof. Many hoof picks also have a stiff brush on one side. Picking out hooves is part of grooming before and after every ride.
Why it matters
A stone wedged in the hoof can make a horse sore or lame, and hooves that stay packed with wet dirt are more likely to develop thrush, an infection of the frog. Daily picking also lets you spot problems like loose shoes early.
Example
Pick from heel to toe.
Try this
Stand beside the leg facing the tail, run your hand down the back of the leg, and ask the horse to lift its foot. Pick from heel to toe, pointing the pick away from you, and clean the grooves on both sides of the frog.
Common mistake
Digging hard into the frog itself can hurt the horse. The frog is sensitive, so clean around it, not into it, and tell an adult if you notice a black, bad-smelling discharge.