USPC Rendezvous Farrier Presentation Part 1

Meet the farrier

Why is Farrier Care Important? Farriers TRIM horses to manage normal growth. Why do horses even have hooves? Horse hooves grow ¼” per month. Your farrier should come every 6-8 weeks.

TEAM QUESTIONS: How much does a horse hoof grow in one year? A. Amount of growth per month: ________ inches B. Number of months per year: ________ Multiply A X B to get your answer and write it below: __________________ What is the length of a normal horse hoof? Measure the cadaver horse hoof using a ruler. ____________________________________ How often does your horse grow a new hoof? ____________________________________

Why is Farrier Care Important? Farriers Recognize and Treat Common Hoof Problems -Hoof Cracks -Thrush -Abscess -Unbalanced hoof- stumbling, lame No Hoof, No Horse!

TEAM QUESTIONS: What are 3 signs of thrush in your pony’s hoof? 1.________________________________________________________ 2.________________________________________________________ 3.________________________________________________________ What are the 3 signs of an abscess in your pony’s hoof? 1._________________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________________

Why do we shoe?

TEAM QUESTIONS: What are two reasons we shoe horses? 1.____________________________________________________ 2.____________________________________________________ How can I tell if my horse needs new shoes? _______________________________________________________

Parts of the Hoof Bar Heel Bulbs Frog White Line Sole Heel Toe Hoof Wall Coronary Band Grooves

Parts of the Hoof

USPC Rendezvous Farrier Presentation Part II

Meet the farrier

What do farriers do? Hoof care is simply the process of finding a balance between growth and wear. Horses who grow more hoof than they wear away need trimming. Horses who wear more hoof than they grow need protection. Let’s talk about hoof care professionals…

To Shoe or Not to Shoe??? Discussion: Benefits and Challenges

The well-shod horse Flare is removed prior to shoeing. Shoe size is appropriate to foot. Nail are driven 1/3 up the hoof wall and clinches are small, tight and even. Heels are fit full if possible to allow for expansion. Nails are placed ahead of widest part of foot. Heels of shoe are aligned to widest part of frog.

The poorly-shod horse

Common Hoof Problems Hoof Cracks Thrush Abscess Unbalanced hoof- stumbling, lame No Hoof, No Horse!

Shoeing: 5 Steps and their Tools 1.Pull shoes – Clinch cutter, pull-offs, crease nail pullers 2.Trim foot – nippers, rasp, hoof knife 3.Fit and shape shoes – shaping hammer, anvil 4.Nail or glue shoe to foot – driving hammer, clinch block 5.Dress/finish shoes – Clinchers, finish rasp

Common Shoes Standard Keg Shoe- Steel or Aluminum: Front and Hind Pattern – General protection/support for pleasure riding. – Example: St. Croix EZ, Kerhart SX7 Rim shoe – Improved traction for jumpers and trail riding – Example: St. Croix Eventer Rolled Toe Shoe – Used to improve break-over for horses with long-toe/low heels – Example Kerkhart Comfort Bar Shoe – Egg bar, Heart Bar, Straight Bar shoe – Used to provide support to the back of the foot in therapeutic shoeing. Wide Web Aluminum – Used to increase surface area for reduced traction, or increased flotation on soft surfaces. e.g. dressage – Example: PLR, Grand Circuit Open Performance Wedge Shoe – Used to change alignment of the bony column to relive stress on joints, ligaments and tendons.

Hoof Anatomy