Here the hoof is coming back behind the other front leg and is about at fetlock height. Instead of putting the hoof down, continue a circle as close to the ground as possible and tap the toe on the ground on several points of the circle. Then rest the toe as shown so that the shoulder can release in a nonhabitual way. If your horse is very tight in the shoulder or low in the heel, resting the toe my be difficult at first. Stroking the tendon while the toe is down relaxes the leg and shoulder.
Most horses rest the toe only for a moment.
This position improves their balance. To do the hind leg, stand beside your horse rather than with your hip into him. This teaches the horse to keep his balance instead of leaning on his handler. When I don't know the horse or he is difficult, I hold the tail with one hand. When the horse is tight in the hindquarters or nervous about having the leg held, I support the leg in the direction he wants to take it.