How to Shoe a Horse
Over the years, horses have obtained many uses such as therapy/leisure, ranch work, police horses, pack horses, and so much more. Before horses were domesticated, they roamed free. Roaming free allowed the natural terrain to wear down their hooves, resulting in less of a need to be shaw’d (shoed). Since domestication, a horse’s hoof must be maintained due to the natural terrain’s lack of wear. Proper hoof maintenance can keep your horse’s feet healthy and ensure good performance and safety. Farriers are adequately trained in hoof maintenance. Because horseshoes need to be replaced every four to eight weeks, hiring a farrier can get expensive. Understanding the basics of horseshoeing can help save a few bucks. Keep reading to view the instructions on how to properly re-shoe a horse.
Hoof preparation is a vital part of the shoeing process:
Important: Make sure the horse is aware of your presence.
The first step to shoeing a horse is lifting the hoof in the proper place. Running your hand down the leg and squeezing the tendon just above the ankle should result in the horse lifting its foot. To provide adequate workspace, press your hip against the horse’s hind leg and pull the hoof up between your legs. The sole of the hoof should face up. This position makes it difficult for the horse to kick.
After inspecting the hoof for damage or imperfections, the old horseshoe should be removed. To remove the horseshoe, bend the nails on the foot to where they can be pulled out. A clinch cutter can be used to straighten the nail and prepare the shoe for removal.
A clean area is essential when re-shoeing. Being able to see pertinent details in the hoof is important. A hoof pick can be used to clean excess dirt, rocks, manure, etc., from the hoof’s bottom. Downward movements (heel to toe) efficiently remove compacted dirt in the sole of the hoof. It is important to clean the area around the frog — the triangular part of the horse’s hoof near the middle. Be careful; this part is sensitive!
A razor-sharp hoof knife is then used to remove the hard, dark outer layer of the sole. This process is like trimming a human’s toenails. Remove layers of the sole until the sole becomes softer and white. Do NOT cut too deep!
Nippers are used to trim the hoof wall — the edge of the hoof. Normal horse hooves should range from 3 to 3 ¾ inches in length. Trim the foot to the proper size until the hoof wall extends past the sole. When you trim the hoof, make sure the edges are straight and flat
Lastly, before shoeing, a rasp is used to level/flatten the bottom of the sole, preparing it to be shaw’d.
SHOEING
Size the shoe to the hoof (make minor adjustments if needed). Horseshoes come in different sizes, just like human shoes. Proper fitment of a horseshoe is important. When choosing shoe sizes for horses, a common rule of thumb is: Generally, most horse’s hooves are one size smaller in the back compared to the front. Well-fitted shoes should be even around the outer edge of the hoof.
Nails are used to secure the shoe into place. Drive the nails through the holes in the horseshoe. Use extreme caution when doing this! Never drive nails into the inner portion of the hoof because it is sensitive. Hoof nails are usually slightly bent to guide the nail to the outer part of the hoof wall. Once the nails are in place, Bend the nail tips to remove them.
The final step: Clinching the nails ensures that they will stay in place and hold the shoe on. This process is completed by using a special tool called a clincher. This tool squeezed the nail tip down, flat against the hoof, and removes any sharp edges. A file can be used to smooth any ridged areas of the hoof or shoe.
This process is repeated until all four hooves are re-shaw’d. Keep in mind that every hoof is different. Take your time and be gentle.
NOTE: Farriers are properly trained in hoof care. It is beneficial to let them re-shoe your horse unless you have been appropriately trained.
