To keep horses' hooves healthy, it would be necessary to trim them regularly: thanks to this type of "maintenance" it is possible to prevent disease, overgrowth, chipping or splitting. Careful care of a horse's hooves includes frequent cleaning, regular trimming (normally, once every 4/8 weeks), immediate intervention in case of minor problems and immediate referral to the veterinarian at the first symptoms of injury or disease..
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting started
Step 1. Get the tools
To trim a horse's hooves, the only tool really needed is a rasp; to this you can add a hoof-rest stand and shears, but they are not essential. Since new rasps can be too pointed and impractical, the first times you trim the hooves of a horse, it would be better to use one that is already used and a little worn.
Step 2. Dip the horse's hooves in the water
As with human nails, cutting hooves without chipping becomes much easier if they have been soaked. If it hasn't rained recently, or the horse has been stabled, take it to a puddle or muddy area where it can stay for 3-5 minutes, as it takes a few minutes for the hooves to soften.
Step 3. Hold the horse still
It is difficult to trim the hooves of a moving horse - tie it tightly or ask someone to hold it still.
Step 4. Clean the clogs
Use a hook and a brush to make sure nothing has got stuck in their natural cavities. Start cleaning from the back of the hoof and progress by removing any residue, without neglecting the inside of the frog (the triangular area at the bottom of the hoof) and the gaps.
Step 5. Determine how much the hooves should be trimmed:
as each horse grows in slightly different environments, its hooves are unique. A hoof in good shape will have a wall at the level of the sole, and the same angle as the small crook (second phalanx).
Part 2 of 2: Trim the Hooves
Step 1. Grab the hoof
Standing next to the horse's shoulder, grab the hoof and hold it between the knees so that both hands are free to work.
Step 2. Using pincers, trim the excess wall, making sure you have one hand on each handle of the tool to get a clean cut and that the blade is parallel to the horse's foot when cutting
Proceed from heel to toe to ensure a smooth cut.
This step should only be performed by those who are sure of how to use the tool and certain of their ability not to cut off too much hoof
Step 3. Use the rasp to smooth and level the bottom of the hoof, covering its entire length with each stroke and taking care to act regularly, applying even pressure:
this will prevent irregularities and protrusions. Use the rasp only from heel to toe and never from side to side.
- Continue to regularly check every couple of strokes that the hoof is flat or you will risk removing more than necessary and injuring the horse: you must absolutely avoid filing the sole of the hoof.
- The wall must be level with the sole: if the hoof has grown significantly excessively or is damaged, file it so that it protrudes about half a centimeter from the sole.
Step 4. Check the hooves and make sure they are even and level:
the wall must show the same thickness along the entire circle of the base; to remove chipped or jagged edges, use the rasp again to make them even.
Advice
- Check to see if there are courses in the area on trimming horses' hooves. Many riding centers, and many farriers offer lessons for beginners.
- A farrier is a professional who specializes in the anatomy of the hoof and the appropriate techniques to trim it, shape it and shoe it. If you don't feel confident popping a clog yourself, and you can afford the expense, consider calling one.
