A hoof stand is a basic necessity for a professional farrier or person who specializes in caring for and shoeing horses hooves. Though the item is a basic tool it is an important tool that must be sturdy and of the proper height.

When a farrier prepares the hoof by trimming before putting on the horse shoe he or she will inspect the hoof conformation for any defects and to analyze the natural angles. The hoof stand is essential in providing a place for the farrier to place the horse’s leg and hoof. It also helps the horse balance while standing in one place.

Horseshoeing supplies are an important part of a farrier’s work and must be of the best possible quality. A hoof stand, nippers, hammer, and anvil should be made of hardened steel that can withstand the elements. Any farrier tools such as nippers should be sharp to produce a clean cut when trimming off the excess hoof. A rasp should also be sharp to smooth any rough areas before nailing the horse shoe onto the hoof.

Today many farriers practice cold shoeing by shaping each shoe using the anvil and pounding tools. Every horse has a slightly different hoof conformation and each shoe must be shaped to fit the horse’s hoof, rather than the hoof being shaped to fit the shoe.

Tools used to shape the shoe are essential horseshoeing supplies to the farrier’s trade. It is rare to find a farrier who uses blacksmith type procedures by heating the shoe and often heating will weaken the various light weight metals used today on race horses or competition animals.

Though the hoof stand is used to reduce the strain on the farrier it also provides a way of further inspecting the hoof for the proper angle needed in trimming and filing. The stand allows the farrier to identify any special concerns such as cracks in the hoof or brittle areas that may need treatment with hoof dressing prior to applying shoes. It can also be used to support the hoof when clipping horseshoe nails off and when filing or smoothing hooves with a rasp.

Though regular clients may be tempted to give their favorite farrier a gift of tools or horseshoeing supplies it is always best to check on the brands or products the individual prefers. Like any person working in a trade there are often preferred brands of products that the individual knows will last and withstand the rigors of the trade. Those with several years of experience have developed a keen sense of what makes a well made tool for the trade. Horseshoeing supplies are as essential to the farrier as wrenches and pipe cutters are to the plumber or as important as the right hammers and saws are to the carpenter.

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Tags: farrier tools, hoof conformation, hoof stand, horse shoe, horseshoeing supplies

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