how to trim a horse hoof for beginners

First things first — don’t ever try trimming a horse’s hooves without some kind of experience or training. Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. In the early stages, this horn material is quite soft – deliberately so because it helps to prevent the coronet band becoming bruised as shock is transferred upwards through the hoof wall during the weight bearing phase of the stride. First you'll learn horse hoof anatomy, then what tools you need for horse hoof trimming, then how to trim horse hooves step-by-step. But I saw a horse yesterday that brought up an issue I wanted to address instead. When evaluating a trim job on a hoof, first evaluate the hoof on the ground for the correct shape and then from the bottom for levelness. Winter Hoof Care. So when trimming your horse’s hooves, here are the things you should keep in mind: But, if the D-I-Y attitude has worked for you and your horse so far, then rest assured – because hoof trimming isn’t all that difficult, so long as you know how…. Never lose your patience with your horse. Why And When Does Your Horse Need Horse Hoof Oil? This article was co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN. By using our site, you agree to our. Wet or soak the hoof to soften it. Then, lift the horse’s leg, rest it on your thigh, and cut the long areas of the outer hoof wall with hoof nippers. My family had horses for about five years before we started doing any trimming ourselves, and even today, we have a pro come in every so often to check our work. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011. unlocking this expert answer. October 9, 2018 Buy one. Farrier chaps are optional, but offer protection to your legs while trimming your horse's hooves. Just make your horse stand in mud or a puddle for 3-5mins before you start. The horse in question was a teenage Quarter Horse gelding sprung upon me at the last minute […] We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Decide if the front of the hoof will need to be trimmed. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. Don't try to lift the hoof if the horse isn't cooperating. While facing the horse's rear end, hold your horse's leg between your legs to keep the hoof in place while you work. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. References ", components of taking a break for both horse and technician). The white line is just inside the outer hoof line. For more tips from our Veterinarian reviewer, including how to check for symmetry in the hoof, keep reading! Trim either the front two or the rear two. Additionally, have an experienced farrier walk you through the process the first few times you do it. Pick the hoof first – this exposes the different parts of the hoof, decreasing the chances of you inadvertently hurting the horse. % of people told us that this article helped them. Gloves to protect your hands and fingers as you work. Even though you may have trimmed your horses' hooves dozens of times and you feel you "know" your horse's hooves, that doesn't mean you know how to trim hooves. Look for areas that are cracked that might need to be trimmed. Then, pick up the hoof and sight down to make sure the hoof wall is level from side to side. Horse Food Basics – What’s Better Alfalfa Pellets Or Cubes? That's how you should hold a horse's hoof when hoof-picking. In cases like these, overgrown hooves can be the result of no one working with the horses to pick up their feet for trimming. Leave a comment Get a magnetic hoof stand – your horse can rest his foot on it and the magnet can hold the tools within reach. Measure your horse’s hooves from the hairline to the toe. Sand them down first, then try trimming, but be careful. Select Page. Want to make amazing homemade jewelry? Clamp the clippers down to cut the long areas of the hoof wall away. To trim horse hooves, start by soaking them in water for 15-20 minutes to make them more pliable to work with. admin Your email address will not be published. Don't rasp both heels at the same time as this can cause them to become uneven. And if you don’t, it just becomes uncomfortable for your horse – and can even lead to splitting or chipping! Work slowly whenever you are trimming your horse's hooves. If you are new to trimming your horse's hooves, try trimming only two per session. If you're unsure how much to trim, aim for trimming less rather than more so you don't injure your horse. Now, I am leasing a trail horse. Always soak your horse's hooves before trimming. hooves should be soaked before trimming. Just underneath the dead skin of the sole and the dead part of the hoof lies live tissues, and any injury to these parts will not just cause the horse pain, but also may bring on bleeding. I used a saw on some of them, with the horses’ feet on the ground. How long will it be until his sole regrows and he can go out to pasture again? My vet cut the sole to drain it. On a white foot, the differences are much less easy to spot. In addition, here are a few tips that can make the job easier: If your horse has a health issue involving its hooves, consult a professional. Work slowly and make sure you are trimming to the length you need. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. If the hooves become unleveled or rough as you trim them, use a rasp to file these areas down. Have your horse soak their feet in water or mud for around 15 to 20 minutes. The approach to the trim should be considered too - if the horse is uncomfortable, the minimum should be done - the toe shortened and heel lowered to ensure the hoof is perfectly aligned with the pedal bone, and the walls bevelled to reduce weight bearing and therefore separating forces - it doesn't have to be pretty, just functional. Your email address will not be published. Trimming horse’s hooves is actually a job that requires a good relationship with the horse – because it takes a bit of time and you will need your horse to stay calm during this time. Support wikiHow by The class starts with a discussion of all the parts of the hoof and their function. Or, try a store that has horse supplies. What Kind Of Western/trail Saddle Should I Buy? You are your horse’s best ally. This area is very prone to hoof problems. Mostly, the hooves naturally trim on rocky ground - icy ground in winter - but when the hoof needs it, my intense study is what informs me. Each participating student will have a cadaver leg which they will assess and map before trimming. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you are fortunate enough to have your horse in a pasture or large pen with ideal barefoot footing, or you manage to ride many miles every week, four weeks is about ideal. This will help to keep the area clean and protect your horse against infections such as thrush and mud fever, while keeping their sole from softening. Place the clippers on any long areas of the outer hoof wall. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Keep your strokes short at first until you gain more control and have more practice rasping. The Basics Of Training Your Horse – Tips And Advice, Your Quick Guide To The Basics Of Beet Pulp For Horses, Your Complete Guide – How To Get Burrs Out Of A Horse’s Mane. An Overview Of The Different Types Of Horse Bit And Bridle. Bend over and reach down to work with the hoof. Trimming your horse's hooves is a great way to connect with your horse and help keep it healthy. This video is for beginners who want to learn barefoot hoof trimming. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. In case of any injury, clean the wound, put on a poultice and get your horse to the vet. Trimming hooves can be a very physically demanding job, and depending on the number of horses that need trimming, it can also be time-consuming. Make sure you have the following equipment:[1] X Research source Gloves to protect your hands and fingers as you work. Commonly known as the heel, although this description can … ", refresh my memory and refer back to until it is second nature again. Make your farrier measure your horse’s hooves from the hairline to the toe when he trims. "I found this information to be quite helpful on how to trim my horse's hooves, like that I didn't know that her, "It has been almost 30 years since I have had an equine to take care of, and this was a very helpful article to, "Detailed, step by step, excellent graphics, simplistic presentation of subject that can be complex (emotional, "A concise, friendly, and informative article. How often do you need to trim a horse's hooves? Any equine products catalog will carry one. If you have concerns, check with your vet to find out if your horse needs X-rays and to schedule the procedure. Where do I purchase that stand for the horse to rest his leg while getting rasped? Sole The sole is the area inside the white line, but not including the bars and frog. This makes the Hoof Boss a one-stop solution for all of your horse hoof trimming needs. Doing it wrong can be all kinds of bad for your animal. This article has been viewed 200,708 times. The outer wall of the hoof should be longer than the sole. The bottom of the horse's outer hoof wall should be flat. Trimming horse’s hooves is actually a job that requires a good relationship with the horse – because it takes a bit of time and you will need your horse to stay calm during this time. This newly trimmed section of hoof gives you a good idea of what the different structures of the hoof wall and sole look like. Your horse’s hoof is like a much larger nail, and like your toenails and finger nails, it too needs to be trimmed. Gather your tools. The sole of the hoof is the entire area on the bottom of the hoof inside the outer hoof wall. In addition, here are a few tips that can make the job easier: As for how it is done, this video clearly shows you the method: Be very careful when you do this though – especially if you are a beginner. In case of any injury, clean the wound, put on a poultice and get your horse to the vet. Required fields are marked *. When I look at a horse's hoof and lower leg, I still have that 3-D image in my head (kinda like Ironman's computer) and it's incredibly obvious what is overgrown and what needs my help. If the crack is all the way up the horse's hoof, that can really injure the horse, so get some help from a farrier. The trimming will begin step by step applying the correct trim to the individual hoof, with focus on proper tool handling and techniques used in the field. The frog makes up a large portion of the hoof, starting at the heel and ending in a point at the center of hoof. How much does a farrier cost to trim hooves? Easy to Use Horse Hoof Trimmer. If the hooves dry out during the trimming process, take a break and soak them again. Get a special hoof polish from a local tack store to help the dryness. Start today! I especially appreciated the parts about taking time to make it, "I did not know about soaking the hooves first. See if the outside hoof wall is asymmetrical in any areas. Hoof nippers will be used for the actual trimming of the hoof. Use one hand to hold and manipulate the hoof while the other hand cleans it. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Trim the front of the hoof at a 45 degree angle to avoid a sharp toe. It’s primary function is to protect the sensitive structures beneath the sole. Snow can ball up under the sole and cause bruising or imbalance. I wrote an article on how to maintain your horse’s trim between your trimmer’s visits for this week’s On the Hoof entry. Then spray the sole with Kiss a Frog Foot Wash and let dry completely. Worked a lot better and made it much easier. ", "I needed to understand a bit about the work. 2,222 Views. Evaluating a Trim Job. Leave a comment The approach to the trim should be considered too - if the horse is uncomfortable, the minimum should be done - the toe … She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011. Keep your wrist straight and use your whole arm to make your strokes. In the winter, special care should be taken if the horse lives outside or is turned out. However, with practice and caution, you should be able to carry out horse hoof trimming yourself – thereby, keeping your horse’s hooves healthy! However, the outer perimeter of sole around the toe … Judge how long the the outer hoof wall is. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Therefore, if your horse’s health and comfort are foremost for you, then make horse hoof trimming an integral part of hoof care. This article was co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN. If you trim off too much of the hoof, your horse will be very sore. His owner cautioned me that he is sore after hoof trimming and that I need to wait several days before riding again...and that this is normal every time the horse is trimmed. Are You Following The A,B,Cs Of How To Care For A Horse? Other horses had clearly lost their trust in humans due to unkind or disrespectful past experiences. Horse Care ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://oldscollege.ca/continuing-education/animal-science/equine-courses-/horse-hoof-care-and-trimming/index, http://www.barefoothorse.com/barefoot_Trim.html, http://www.horses-arizona.com/pages/articles/footcare.html, http://www.barefoothorse.com/barefoot_Trim2.html, https://www.thehorseshoof.com/helpmethod.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Weighing in at just over a pound, the Hoof Boss is perfectly designed to fit comfortably in the operator’s hand which significantly decreases trimming associated fatigue. How To Grow A Mane Fast And Let Your Horse Outshine Others. The foot adapts to the environment (trimming, shoeing, loading, ground surface, moisture, etc. The coronary band connects the hoof to pastern, which is the part of the leg where the fur starts. The outer hoof line and wall surround the exterior of the hoof. Hold the front leg by lifting it up and back, towards the horse's chest. ". Lift the back leg directly up and place your own leg in front of it. Our mission is to improve the well-being of horses by providing the equestrian community with superior service, education and innovative equine products. The realigning trim When laminitis has occurred, the laminae will be less-than-well connected, and there will often be: - dorsal rotation - when the hoof wall and dorsal surface of P3 have moved apart - shown by the angle between the red lines above; However, don't trim the hooves unless you are experienced and comfortable around your horse. How Much Water To Give Your Horse And How – Answered! How do I trim my horse's hooves when it has a split in its hoof? As in horses, this condition is the result of poor blood circulation to the … If your horse has unusual or uneven growth patterns to its hoof, a professional can work to make sure your horse's hoof is even. Don’t have your horse’s feet cut too short. horse hoof trimming for beginners. The hook knife can also be used to cut away areas of the frog if it has grown across the sole. For more tips from our Veterinarian reviewer, including how to check for symmetry in the hoof, keep reading! Horse Eye Care Basics – How To Protect Your Horse’s Eyes! Why Would Your Horse Need Horse Clippers? Rest the hoof on your thigh. Of course! What do I do if my horse has flaky hooves? Unlike the wild horse hoof which is conditioned to the varied terrain of its living environment, our hors-es … Approved. Place the horse in cross ties or get a helper to hold the horse in place. When you care … Your horse knows you better than anyone else. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you are not sure of yourself, get a farrier to show you the first time around. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I never gave much thought to hoof trimming and shoeing. Make sure your horse is calm before you start. This article has been viewed 200,708 times. This video is for beginners who want to learn barefoot hoof trimming. How to trim horse hooves. My pony had a sand crack in its hoof and just had an abscess. If your horse views trimming as an unpleasant experience, it will be less willing in the future to cooperate. When you first start trimming the hooves, do short sessions and be extra careful, since improperly trimming your horse's hooves can injure or even lame it. If you aren't comfortable around your horse or aren't sure how to trim its hooves, take it to a professional farrier instead of trimming the hooves yourself, since you could injure or potentially even lame your horse. If your horse has an injury or health issue with a hoof, you should hire a professional. As a barefoot hoof care practitioner, I typically keep all of my clients on a four week trim schedule. Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. 2018-03-03 Becky's Homestead These tools will all serve a different function and all are required to properly clean and trim your horse's hooves. Proper nutrition and commercially available hoof supplements can help improve hoof quality.Most importantly, trim the horse on a regular basis. Start by gently rinsing your horse’s hoof area with water and gently dry with a towel to remove any debris. Hoof nippers will be … Last Updated: March 29, 2019 See what your farrier recommends. It made a huge difference. If you live in a dry location, bring a spray water bottle with you and moisten the hooves as you work. ), but the biggest environmental factors are the hoof care professional and the trim. Make sure the hoof is uniform, with no distortions. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Trim-Horse-Hooves-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Trim-Horse-Hooves-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Trim-Horse-Hooves-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1400584-v4-728px-Trim-Horse-Hooves-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"