Had a horse dragging hind feet, especially at the trot. Sent him to the local University School of Veterinary Medicine for a week of evaluation. After a week of all kinds of tests they concluded that he was low on vitamin E. They sent him back with a bottle of Vitamin E that we put tablespoons in his daily feed. They said in our area the soil is deficient in E and therefore the hay needed to be supplemented. He was back to normal, picking up his back feet in no time.

Good one.we are a family of farriers,great job

Thank you to Mr. Hook and team for taking the time to answer questions. We appreciate it!

Barry, you explained it Verry well! With the mini Shetland and American mini horses you often see that the knees lock. From a farrier, where I did an internship for 1 year in 1995, I learned to role the toe up on the inside of the front part of the hind feet, that always works. The litle horses run smoothly again without the knee locking. I notice that many fellow farrier's do not know that in the Netherlands where I work. And it is a shame that most farrier's don't make a role up in the horses front shoes. It's like walking on wooden clogs with a slat nailed underneath, does not walk very smoothly! And Joe is a real craftsman. Say hi to Joe from me.

Great teaching. Clear and concise with excellent illustrations.

My horse did this. He needed 2 things chiropractic & a new ferrier...problem solved !.. Thanks for the vid

My vet told me that a horse that drags its back feet are in a weak condition. They lack the energy to pick up their feet. Keep in mind that a horse will do this in pasture, being led and not just while being worked. They often lose weight and have a hard time putting weight on. I had this happen to me a few months back and the horse was diagnosed with a selenium deficiency . Always rule out a medical condition first when a horse seems to have a behavior issue.

Hello from Upstate New York. I love your Q&A videos. You give loads of great information. Thank you Barry

Another great and informative video. I love how you go over everything so carefully it is so true that it could be a myriad of things. Horses are living breathing creatures with all the metabolic, skin etc. issues that we have and it could be any or all of them. You give practical advice do the muscle building things first and shoes then the vet and then creative lol

Love listening to you Barry ,

Interesting comment below, I also have a Dartmoor hill pony who is exactly the same. He is a wonderful safe drive, happy and confident but on the yard he gets extremely anxious, he cannot be left until last to turn out as he gets into a right ‘tiz’ and threatens to jump the stable door (I understand he did this once in his last home), I can only bring him in first if I tie him up then I cannot say he is happy, lots of pawing the ground, but is OK if he sees his harness coming out. He is incredibly affectionate and has not got a bad bone in his body, but goodness me life would be much more relaxed if I could fix this separation anxiety and convince him that all is good and he shouldn’t be worried - any ideas would be gratefully received. By the way I was lucky enough to spend a memorable day with you and Rhi in August 2019, once this ghastly time is past hopefully I will be able to come back to learn some more. Meanwhile I listen to all of your videos and continue learning that way. Thank you.

this was very helpful! my new small pony drags his back feet. Since we drive on roads it was causing a problem. He's feet are really small so I'll have to discuss with my farrier if it is possible to put shoes on him and roll his toes. He's not a very forward pony so some of it may be a lack of condition.

Thanks Barry.

Thank you !

Another fab video Barry! I'd like to ask about driving a pony who has separation anxiety. He's 12hh Dartmoor 8 yes old. When walking out in hand when he realises he walking away he will rear and panic wanting to get back.But I continue as only coming back when I say not him. On the way back he can't contain himself and will do the same. If I put him on side reins and roller he's much more controllable. He's not nasty,the sweetest natured but has major meltdowns when away from the others. He's walked in a head collar. He may only be 12hh but he's really strong! He's fab in traffic with industrial lorries passing us and dont even blink. Any advice please Barry?

Thanks for that Team Barry. I have a question about the limewash you use so do you mix it yourself?would you tell me How please...greetings from ireland

Is there a reason you use a breast collar instead of a neck collar? I believe there is some recent research into the increase of pressure with using breast collars which also increases the pull per lb. Would be interesting to hear your opinion.

poles, you just described ,perfectly a cavaletto