1. The Guide to Picking Up Feet
We all know how to pick up a pony's feet, don't we? Many of us pick
our pony's feet out every day, without even thinking about what we're
doing, it's that easy.
But what about how it feels from the pony's point of view? A lot of
people pick up a foot by grabbing a handful of hair behind the pony's
foot (the feather) and pulling upwards. They will even keep hold of
the foot while they pick it out by keeping hold of that handful of hair.

2. Step 1 - ask nicely
If your pony doesn't understand that he has to lift his foot,
ask a friend to rock him back a little. He should soon go to take
a step back, in other words, he'll go to pick up his foot. When
he does, stop pulling.
You might need to do this two or three times, but your pony will
soon learn that when he lifts his foot you stop that annoying
pulling. And then he will learn that if he lifts his foot when you
even put your hand there you won't even pull at all.
That's how ponies learn.

3. Step 2 - hold nicely
Here's an exercise for you to try with your friends. One of you
pretends to be the pony, and the other picks up her leg.
Firstly, when you have your friend's leg, hold on tight!
Then, hold your friend's leg as shown above, with her foot balanced in
your hand. Ask her which feels nicer? You might even find that your
friend wants to pull her leg away when you're holding tight.
Then swap round so you can feel the difference.
That's what our ponies feel too.

4. Step 3 - hind legs
Some ponies understand better if you put your hand round the fetlock
and pull forwards. If your pony doesn't understand one way, try the
other. If he still doesn't understand to lift his leg, you can again ask
your friend to rock him back. As soon as he lifts his leg, stop pulling!

5. Step 4 - picking out feet
One final tip - when you have finished with your pony's foot, place it
back on the ground gently. A lot of people just let go and walk off -
that's not very polite, is it?
Be polite, be kind, and always say thank you.