When handling the horse's feet, always set down the horse's hoof. Never drop it or let the horse snatch it away from you.

Teach the horse to wait patiently until you set the hoof down. Gently, slowly set it down. The horse should be calm and allow you set the hoof down at your pace -- no matter how long it takes to do so. Dropping the hoof teaches the horse to snatch it out of your hand before you have the chance to set it down, so don't do it.

When first teaching the horse to gently set his hoof down, he may become impatient, or otherwise inclined to snatch it out of your hand. Keep gently picking the hoof up and slowly setting it down. Be persistent and calm. Even if it takes several sessions, the horse will eventually learn this. However, be extremely careful -- keep your hand out of the way so it doesn't get stepped on, especially the closer it gets to the ground