How to Remove Horseshoes

There are times when you will need to remove your horse's shoe yourself. A horseshoe can unexpectedly come lose and you can hear it clicking or visually notice that the shoe is loose and needs to be removed and you can't wait for someone else to do it for you, but there is no need to worry. You can remove the horseshoe yourself without causing any harm to you or your horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoe puller
  • Gloves
  • Hammer
  • Clinch cutter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position your horse's hoof between your thighs. It's best to have someone else hold your horse while you remove the shoe.

    • 2

      Cut or straighten the clinches (nails) that hold the shoe onto the hoof. Place the wide end of the clinch cutter under the shoe by the clinch and then use the hammer to hit the opposite side of the clinch until it straightens. You could also use the clinch cutter to cut the clinch if you can access it.

    • 3

      Pull the clinches out with the shoe puller.

    • 4

      Place the shoe puller between the horse's shoe and the horses heel. Push the shoe puller inward. Pushing outward can cause damage to your horses hoof. This will remove the heel of the shoe.

    • 5

      Repeat on the toe of the shoe.