Are you aware that more than 70% of horses' health issues are related to their hooves? That is a remarkable figure, emphasising the essential role farriers play in maintaining horses' health and activity. But what specifically are farrier tools, and how do they contribute to a horse’s well-being?
Farrier tools are expert tools used to care for and maintain a horse's hooves, just as crucial as comfortable and properly sized footwear. From hoof knives and nipper to horseshoe puller and rasps, every instrument plays an important role in shaping, trimming, and protecting the hooves. According to the experts, “proper hoof care can avoid injuries and even expand a horse's lifespan by up to 10 years.
So, why are you worried? Proper hoof care not only enhances a horse well well-being but also their performance in daily activities and sports.
Wait… There is more…. Let’s explore everything you need to know about farrier tools. The underrated heroes behind every racing horse.
Why Farrier Tools Are Crucial
Horses are always on the move. They’re always standing, taking a stroll, or galloping around. This is why they must have healthy hooves. That's where the magic of farrier tools steps in. Every tool they use has a special purpose, from helping to clean dirt to shaping the perfect horseshoe. Without these, things could take a nosedive pretty fast.
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Hoof Pick
Farriers required hoof picks to clean out the horses’ feet before they could get to work with all the other fancy tools.
Hoof picks come in a variety of shapes and styles, some with brushes to better clean out the clefts and some without. Some have a more triangular head to dislodge stones and packed-in mud. Most farriers will tell you the style matters less than the frequency with which you use it.
Types: Standard Hoof Pick, Ergonomic Hoof Pick.
Usage Tip: Choose a hoof pick with a handle that fits comfortably in your hand for better grip and ease.
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Nippers
Nippers are used to trim around the hoof wall until the foot is the right length.
They can be used to cut away excess hoof material and also to bevel the hoof at its edge when necessary. Used on just about every horse, whether it’s a trim or a shoe job, nippers are one of the farrier’s most essential tools.
Types: Standard nippers, half-round nippers, race nippers
Usage Tips: Use nippers with a comfortable grip and keep the cutting edges sharp to avoid damaging the hoof
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Hoof tester
A device used in the examination of the horse's hooves to pinpoint sources of pain by applying pressure in certain areas. This tool is used by the farrier looking for an abscess or by a veterinarian as part of a standard lameness exam.
Care must be taken by the user to reduce the chances of a false positive reading from a sensitive horse.
Types: Standard Hoof Tester, Compact hoof tester.
Usage Tip: Apply steady pressure on different areas of the hoof to check for pain or discomfort.
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Hoof knife
The farrier uses this specialized knife to cut out excess sole and frog in the feet of the horse. Both left-handed and right-handed versions of this knife are available, allowing the farrier to use the appropriate hand depending on the side of the horse he is working on.
These knives are very sharp and dangerous to both the farrier and the horse if not used properly.
Types: Loop knives, straight knives, curved knives
Usage Tips: Keep the blade sharp and clean for precise cuts.
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Farrier's rasp
This is a multi-purpose tool that all farriers use. It is like a nail file for horses and enables the farrier to keep the horse's hooves even and level if unshod or lightly rasp any hoof that overhangs a shoe. It is used to finish a trim by rasping off any extra hoof and rounding up the edges. It can also be used to rasp down nails and hoof wall where needed.
Recently available are riders' rasps. These are small rasps that can be used by the horse owner to round off sharp edges that may occur on the trail.
Types: Farrier rasps, finishing rasps
Usage Tips: Apply even pressure and rasp in long, smooth strokes to avoid creating uneven surfaces.
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Shoe Puller
These tools look like giant pliers and pretty much do what the name suggests—the shoe puller will let the farrier get the shoe off of the hoof without damaging the foot. Some makes of shoe pullers are also used as spreaders to make new horseshoes wider at the open end.
These tools are great for farm owners to have around, as well, for those times when a horse comes in with a badly sprung shoe and the farrier can’t make it out right away. If you’re going to have one around the farm, make sure you have a farrier show you how to use it so you can take that sprung shoe off safely.
Types: Standard Horseshoe Puller, Compact Puller.
Usage Tip: Clean the tool after use to prevent rust.
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Farrier's nailing hammer
Farrier's Nailing Hammer - A farrier's nailing hammer is a small hammer that is used to punch nails through the horse's hoof to hold the shoe in place. The one side is used to drive the nails, and the other side, which has two protruding claws, allows the farrier to "wring off" the nail when it comes out the side of the horse's hoof.
This hammer is surprisingly small. It is important that the farrier obtain a "feel" for the nail as it is driven to make sure the nail emerges at the correct level.
Types: Underclincher, top clincher
Usage Tips: Use a clincher that fits comfortably in your hand to ensure secure and neat clinching.
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Hoof stand
A hoof stand is used for finishing a nailing job and is especially helpful in easing the strain of lifting an injured leg. Hoof stands come in many heights and shapes, and each farrier determines which kind works best in their practice. Many farriers do not use a hoof stand, as traditional farrier skills are taught to support the hoof in various ways against the body, depending on the operation being performed.
Types: Adjustable stands, magnetic stands
Usage Tips: Ensure the stand is stable and at the correct height for your comfort.
Conclusion
Farrier tools play a crucial role in maintaining the health and performance of horses by assuring their hooves are properly cared for. From hoof picks to nippers, and hoof testers to shoe pullers, each tool serves a specific purpose that contributes to the overall well-being of the horse. By understanding the types and proper usage of these tools, farriers can provide effective hoof care, preventing injuries and improving the horse’s quality of life. Regular hoof maintenance, using the right tools, ensures that your horse remains healthy, active, and comfortable for years to come.
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