How to Put a Mustang Roll on a Horse's Hoof

Applying a "mustang roll" refers to shaping the edge of a horse's hoof to mimic that found on wild American mustangs. This unique feature is an integral element in natural hoof care, and it serves to prevent separation from the white line (laminae) as well as chipping of excess hoof length and flaring of the hoof wall. Applied correctly, the mustang roll is both attractive and essential for the proper, healthy function of the hoof mechanism

Things You'll Need

  • Hoof rasp
  • Sandpaper or sanding block
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the trimmed hoof between your knees or against your leg so that you're looking at the bottom of the foot. Rasp the outside edge of the hoof wall downward and away, creating a 45-degree bevel from toe to quarters, extending the bevel to just beyond the widest part of the hoof, approximately even with the front end of the bars. Continue rasping until the bevel brings the thickness of the hoof wall back to the waterline. This is the unpigmented innermost layer of horn, not to be confused with the white line, which may appear yellowish or blackened with dirt if separation of the laminae has occurred.

    • 2

      Bring the hoof forward onto a hoof stand or your knee so that you are now looking at the hoof from the top. Smooth the line/edge where the beveling meets the surface of the hoof, using the rough side of the rasp to create a rounded transition. The radius of the mustang roll should be approximately 1/2 an inch.

    • 3

      Use the fine side of the rasp to remove all the frayed fibers caused by the initial rasping. Finish with a sanding block to produce a smooth, uniformly rounded surface that will not ravel.