Farrier Tools Used In The Horseshoeing Trade
Farrier tools used in the horseshoeing trade may look like other devices used commonly by steel and wood workers. But they are made slightly different to accommodate the shape and consistency of a horse’s hooves without causing damage such as cracking or chipping that other tools may cause.
Hoof nippers are cutting tools that are used to trim off any excess length or growth. They are specially designed to keep the device from damaging the bottom area of the hoof which contains spongy tissue to absorb shock. Nippers are rounded outward on each side with sharp, flat blades on each side. They are designed to be used with two hands so that even pressure is applied to both the top and the bottom cutting edges, for a clean cut that does not splinter or crack the hoof material. Nippers may also be used to cut off any excess on horseshoe nails so they do not produce and scratch the horse or its stable mates.
Horse hoof care is an essential part of caring for equine animals. Daily cleaning will help remove dirt and debris that may cause bacteria to build up. It is also necessary to find any stones or other materials that could become lodged and lead to bruising of the under side of the hoof, where the spongy frog is located. This spongy area must be kept clean because it can become susceptible to fungal infections due to excessive moisture held in by dirt and debris.
Hoof trimming is another important part of horse hoof care. Trimming is generally required every six to eight weeks. This will depend on the type of terrain and surfaces the horse walks on. Horses that mostly spend their time outdoors in grassy areas will need to have hooves trimmed periodically as the ground is not usually hard enough to keep them filed down. The exception may be in areas where pastures or grazing areas include plenty of hard ground and rocky ares where the animals tend to roam.
Horses hooves are not designed to withstand the rigors of concrete or asphalt. Often if animals are being ridden over such surfaces they will require a set of shoes for protection. Shoes can vary in weight and thickness, depending on the type of work or performing the horse is expected to do. Shoes can include cleats for extra traction or pads for additional shock absorption.
When horses wear shoes they typically need to be removed every six weeks and either replaced or reset, depending on how much wear is left. When shoes are reset the farrier tools will also be used at the same time to trim any new growth.
Farrier supply stores will carry everything required to trim and shoe a horse. Anvils are still used for shaping and for cold shoeing methods used today. Nippers, rasps for filing, a stand to place the lower leg and shoe on while working, horseshoe nails, a supply of various shoes, heavy leather work aprons, and hoof dressing are common items purchased from a farrier supply shop.
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its hard to find someone these days that really knows how to take care of horses feet. Friends of mine have had bad experiences with hoof care.
I agree Krys D….at least someone good and professional! These guys take their jobs seriously and i have not yet met one that hasn’t done a fantastic job out here in wyoming!