HoofCare Tips unbridled with Susan Kayne

I am a determined advocate of proper hoofcare, and fortunately, the trend seems to be growing across all disciplines of the equine industry. After all, we are only as steady as the feet we stand on, and the same goes for every horse! With that in mind, it's a great idea to educate yourself on the basics of farriery, no matter what your role is in the horse industry. By understanding the basics of proper care, you'll also have a better idea of what to look for in a farrier and his or her style of shoeing.

Similar to the way we have different shoes depending on the activity we are going to perform, horses need shoes specific to their discipline; a racehorse will be shod differently than a dressage horse, and so on. As an athlete with four legs instead of two, the right shoes are critical! Before a farrier prepares the shoes, he or she will do an active assessment of the feet called "hoof prep". Hoof prep involves determining how to best balance the feet from multiple angles, and trimming according to what needs to be corrected or complimented. The main angles to look at are from left to right, called medial-lateral balance, and from the front of the toe to the back of the heel, called anterior-posterior. Trimming is done is to the wall, which is the outside covering that encapsulates the hoof and extends inside to a white layer visible to the eye, the sole, which serves an almost epidermal purpose in protecting the foot from ground and is the bottom layer towards the front end of the foot, and the frog, the heart-shaped feature towards the heel which absorbs the shock of movement as well as creates traction for the foot to grip. One of the things a farrier has to keep in mind is that the application of the shoe itself will burn off some of the foot, so trimming must be kept conservative. It is always better to leave natural length than to take too much off. Balance is best achieved through consistency; shoeing at regular intervals according to the level of activity, and forming a plan for correction that works gradually and effectively. Every foot is different, and some will never achieve perfect balance due to conformation; it is a big mistake if a farrier is trying to drastically change the foot in just one shoeing by trimming off too much. Understanding a few basics will greatly improve your ability to choose a farrier, and communicate your horse's needs.

Since the anatomy and biology connected to the hoof is so important for shoeing, a great way to start in choosing a farrier is finding one who is AFA certified. The AFA (American Farrier's Association), has rigorous written and field tests that applicants must excel at in order to be certified. This credential is not one even seasoned, working farriers can necessarily earn without practice and study. It is more than the ability to shoe, but the applied knowledge of equine science on the job. Another question to ask a potential farrier is if they invest time in continuing education, such as attending clinics, since this is a good indication that he or she cares about the quality of their craft. For further inquiry, ask other clients of the farrier how they feel about his or her style of shoeing; is this person following trends desired by sometimes uneducated owners, or is his or her work predicated on what is healthy for the horse in the long run? Consistency is key.

Ultimately, this also comes back to your own responsibility--what works best in the long run requires your patience and commitment to regular, quality shoeing for your horse.

Things to Remember:

--If possible, be present while your horse is being shod. Ask questions!

--Your farrier shouldn't be the only one working on their education--don't be afraid to attend a clinic on the basics yourself, even just to listen in!

You absolutely can and should learn how to remove a shoe. Farriers are busy people and though they try to be everywhere at once, they can't always immediately come to the rescue. Learning a few skills of your own to handle emergency situations is a very important aspect of horsecare. With a loose shoe, the nails can shift internally from the wall to the sole, potentially causing a painful abscess for your horse. Shoe removal is also a helpful ability if your vet needs to take an x-ray and your farrier is not present. Whatever the reason, you should prepare yourself before this situation comes up by obtaining an emergency shoe removal kit, and asking your farrier for a quick lesson during your next appointment. I personally recommend Mustad's kit available from Anvil Brand. As you can see on Unbridled, I received an excellent hands-on lesson from Certified Journeyman Farrier, Andrew Elsbree, on how to remove a shoe. Here are his instructions:

Step One: Find the file in your kit and take up the horse's hoof in front of you. If you happen to own a farrier stand, you'll be fortunate enough to stay clean, but if not, place the hoof firmly on the front of your thigh. Notice the clinches on either side of the hoof; you want to use the smooth side of the file to rasp these off. Light, quick movements across the hoof should be used--pressing too hard won't accomplish the job. When the width of the nail heads become visible on the outside, you can stop.

Step Two: Come around so that the hoof is between your two legs, and you are facing the rear. Picking up the shoe puller, use it to take hold of either top branch of the shoe. Then pull down in a diagonal motion until the shoe loosens; do this to both sides, but be careful not to yank or pull too hard. Before you work the shoe, make sure not to clean out the hoof. Any dirt inside will act as a protective cushion for the sole during the process.

Step Three: Keep your shoe puller in hand, and gently knock the shoe back into the hoof from where you've loosened it. This will expose the nail heads and make it easier for you to pull them out, one at a time. Use the long handles of the tool for leverage when removing the nails. Once all the nails are out, you can safely pull off the shoe!

The key to making this process simple is preparation. The money you spend on buying a kit could save you an extra farrier visit, or the cost of treating an abscess. The next time your farrier is around, make sure you ask for a lesson. He or she will more than likely be glad you respect the importance of hoof-care enough to learn.