How to Put Horseshoes on a Horse

Putting shoes on a horse is a technical and skilled job and should only be undertaken by a qualified and experienced practitioner. Farriers not only put on the shoes, but they also balance the horse's foot with trimming, and they can correct any problems that the horse might be having. A farrier is also trained to deal with medical issues that arise in the foot and hoof. Understanding the process involved is important for anyone involved in the care of the horse to be able to deal with any problems quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Buffer
  • Hammer
  • Rasp
  • Drawing knife
  • Hoof cutter
  • Pincers
  • Nail clencher
  • Anvil
  • Forge
  • Cold water
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Instructions

  1. Removing the Shoe

    • 1

      Hold the foot between the knees. Knock up the nail heads, known as clenches, using a shoeing hammer and a buffer,Twist off the heads with the cleft of the hammer.

    • 2

      Place the pincers between the shoe and the foot. Ease the shoe off gently, working at the heel first, followed by the toe.

    • 3

      Grip the shoe with the pincers at the toe when it is loose. Pull it backward toward the frog until it is free of the foot.

    Preparing the Foot

    • 4

      Clean out the sole and the frog. Check the condition, the shape and the balance of the foot.

    • 5

      Cut off any overgrowth of wall, using the drawing knife. Cut off the longer hoof with a hoof cutter.

    • 6

      Trim the ragged parts of the frog and the sole. Be careful not to overcut, as the horse may become sore and lame and be at risk from infection from open wounds.

    • 7

      Rasp the foot to create a level bearing surface, first at the sides and toes, then at the heel if necessary.

    Preparing the Shoe

    • 8

      Apply a cold shoe to the foot and check for approximate fit.

    • 9

      Heat the shoe in the forge and place it on the anvil to shape. While it is still hot place it against the horse's foot to check the fit. Remove the hot shoe and check the fit. Searing of the horn demonstrates contact between the shoe and the foot.

    • 10

      Adjust the shoe as necessary with the hammer and anvil until a perfect fit is achieved.

    • 11

      Cool the shoe in cold water.

    Nailing the Shoe

    • 12

      Place the shoe on the foot in position and drive nails through the nail holes. Use three nails on the inside and four on the outside. Nail the toe first, then the heel, then alternate between the sides to ensure that the shoe is nailed on evenly.

    • 13

      Check that the nails heads are appearing in a line on the hoof wall. Twist the point off to form a clench.

    • 14

      Rasp a small bed under the clenches. Use the closed pincers against the clench while hammering the nail tight.

    • 15

      Tighten the clenches down against the hoof, using the nail clencher. Check that they are level with the surface of the hoof wall. Rasp over lightly to tidy up.

    • 16

      Tap the toe clip and the quarter clips lightly into place. Run the rasp around the edge of the wall where it meets the shoe to tidy up and prevent cracking.