About Farrier Supplies

A farrier is someone who takes care of horses by trimming, rasping, nipping and nailing shoes on horses' feet. Farriers are usually mobile and will come to your home and take care of the horse for a reasonable fee. Having your horse shod costs more than having their feet trimmed and filed. Horses that walk a lot on blacktop and other hard surfaces usually have their feet shod for comfort. Horses that are ridden mostly on dirt or sand do not need shoes.

  1. Types

    • Farriers wear aprons that are made out of various materials, including leather, cordura and other durable materials. Usually these aprons have knee pads to set the horse's hoof upon when filing or rasping to the correct length and shape. Anvils are necessary equipment for the farrier that shoes horses. Anvils are for banging hot horseshoes into shape to get the correct size for the horse's hoof. There are more than thirty different types of horseshoes available for different equine activities including racing; shoes are available that glue onto the horse's hoof.

    Function

    • Rasps are necessary to initially file a long hoof before using a finishing file to even the hoof and make it smooth. Rasps run from around $25 to $200 and an essential farrier tool. Horseshoe nails are essential for shoeing a horse's feet or glue on types are available. Brushes in coarse, medium and fine for removing caked-on mud from the hooves are useful to the farrier. A hoof pick is needed to remove the rocks and debris from around the "frog" in the bottom of the hoof.

    Identification

    • Farriers are trained to spot foot problems before they become major issues that may make the horse lame. Foot problems are a farrier's specialty and he will advise what is needed to correct minor problems and do what ever is necessary to benefit your horse. A visit from the farrier is a significant investment for the health and welfare of your equine friend. Hoof and sole packing are general farrier supplies, as are dressings, foot medications and hoof repair kits for cracked hooves.

    Benefits

    • Regular farrier care is needed for all horses to take care of foot health, keep feet neatly trimmed and shaped, check out leg problems, change horseshoes if necessary, perform minor surgical procedures and keep your horse active through proper foot care. Train your horse to lift his feet for the farrier and cooperate. Your horse will soon become familiar with farrier visits and what is expected of him. The farrier carries hoof-toughener for soft hooves, hoof springs, hoof boots and accessories to benefit your horse's well-being.

    Effects

    • A farrier knows precisely where blood vessels run in the horse's hooves and how much hoof to nip off before hitting a vein. Improper nipping and filing of hooves may permanently disable a horse due to filing the hoof at the incorrect angle and best left to a trained professional with tools and know-how.