How to Trim Hooves With an Angle Grinder

Proper care of your horse's feet helps prevent diseases and illnesses in the animal, particularly if it is kept in a small area such as a stall. Cleaning should be performed daily and hooves should be trimmed every four to six weeks. Trimming a horse's hooves helps it to maintain good balance and foot shape. Hoof care can be done manually or with the addition of power tools such as an angle grinder.

Things You'll Need

  • Safety goggles
  • Protective gloves
  • Ventilation mask
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on your safety goggles, protective gloves and ventilation mask before beginning.

    • 2

      Use an angle grinder with a paddle switch so that it shuts off if you drop it. Begin with the horse's back hooves so that the grit from the new flap disk does not hit the horse.

    • 3

      Hold the foot up with one hand and gently press the disk of the grinder evenly against the horse's hoof. Remove any long growths, cracks or uneven surfaces of hoof.

    • 4

      Trim the edges of the hoof with the grinder so that there are no growths or areas sticking out. The amount trimmed will depend on the thickness of the hoof, but make sure that you do it evenly on the front, back and sides.

    • 5

      Repeat with the second back hoof and the front hooves.