Stand in balance when any leg is held for two minutes without moving, leaning, trying to pull his leg away, fidgeting, or nibbling. Move sideways to the left and right on cue one step at a time while tied. Back up and stepping forward on cue one step at a time while tied. Allow all four legs to be brought backward. Allow all four legs to be brought forward on a hoof stand or knee for at least thirty seconds.
Many foals require corrective rasping of their hooves at two months of age or earlier.
To prepare the foal for the farrier's first visit, hold a regular series of hoof handling lessons. They should begin the first day of the foal's life when you accustom the foal to being caught and having its body and legs handled. When the foal is a week old, you should be able to pick up a leg and hold it with a competent handler holding the foal with a halter alongside the stall wall or a sturdy fence. At first just pick the legs up briefly but increase the amount of time to at least 30 seconds per leg. This will condition the foal to stand still long enough for the farrier to trim his hooves.