How to Build Horse Shoeing Stocks

Portable stocks are generally built on pipe skids. Weld together a base made of 8 foot long by 8 inch diameter steel pipes or I-beams. Use cross-members of 3 or 4 inch diameter pipe to space the pipes or I-beams 30 inches apart. Mount four brackets at the top of the pipe and 3 inch angle irons welded to the top of the skids, placed two on each side, 5 feet apart. Set the brackets into a concrete slab if you want to permanently place the horse shoeing stock.

Fasten uprights to the brackets using 1/2 bolts. Traditional plans call for salvaged railroad ties for the uprights but 8 inch by 8 inch treated beams 8 feet long can be substitutes. Add 3 inch thick bridge planking flooring to the base of the horse shoeing stock if it is built on skids. Drill holes through the planking and the pipe skids and use 4 inch metal screws.

Add cross-bars on the sides and front of the stocks. Use 3 or 4 inch square metal tubing, fastened to the posts with 5/8 inch 6 inch lag bolts. Place these side plates about 42 inches above the floor, although this can be modified if the stocks will be used with horses smaller than draft horses. Add back and belly straps. Straps can be chain or soft cotton rope. Fasten the straps to the side piece on one side of the stocks. These straps will pass over and under the body of the horse and be tied or fasten in place at the side brace on the opposite side.

Add cleats and metal brackets on the outside of each post about 5 feet above floor level to wrap around or tie on rope. The cleats are used to tie off ropes used to lift a leg on the horse for the shoeing work. Fasten butt chains. Fasten chains to one post with a 4 inch lag bolt and with a hook bolt on the other side. The butt chains should be about 42 inches above floor level for draft horses and lower for other horses.