How to Measure Hooves for Horseshoes

After you trim a horse's hoof properly, you have to select a horseshoe of the proper size and shape to fit the hoof. You should not shape the hoof to fit the shoe. Extend the horseshoe slightly past the horse's heel to allow for expansion of the hoof wall when the horse steps down. Shoes that are too long, particularly on the front feet, often come off when rear hoof steps on the trailing edge. Shoes that are too short cause corns.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse shoe
  • Horse
  • Hammer
  • Anvil
  • Farrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Thoroughly clean your horse's hooves. Clean the outside of the hooves as well.

    • 2

      Hire a professional farrier to trim the horse's hooves properly.

    • 3

      Measure and record the length of the horse's hoof from toe to heel.

    • 4

      Measure the width of the hoof from one side to the other.

    • 5

      Choose a shoe as close to those measurements as possible.

    • 6

      Place the horseshoe on the horse's hoof. If the shoe is wider than the hoof, use a hammer and anvil to make the shoe narrower. If the shoe is too narrow for the hoof use the anvil and hammer to widen the shoe. Check again to see if the horseshoe fits the hoof. Continue to make adjustments to the shoe until it fits perfectly.