Stable Management - Shoeing

Question 1

What are the stages of shoeing? (4)

Answer 1

1. Removal of old shoe
2. Preparation of hoof
3. Preparation of new shoe
4. Nailing and clenching up

Question 2

Before starting the shoeing process a farrier

Answer 2

Inspect the legs and have the animal trot to check for injuries and irregularities in movement

Question 3

Stage 1 : Removal of old show

Answer 3

Remove clenches (part of nail)
Loosen shoe starting at heel and working towards toe
Old shoe checked for sign of uneven wear so hoof can be trimmed to correct abnormality

Question 4

Stage 2: Preparation of Hoof

Answer 4

loose pieces of horn from sole that have not exfoliated
Trim hoof wall to remove growth
Trimming the frog restricted to remove ragged horn

Question 5

Stage 3: Preparation of Shoe

Answer 5

Majority are factory made
Most require modifications for good fit
Front shoes and hind shoes differ in shape
Nail holes lie over white line, sufficient shoe length to support heel, enough width allow expansion and contraction in heel area
Shoe rests on wall of foot, not sole
Gap of at least 1.6mm between bottom of shoe and sole all the way around

Question 6

Common modification of clips

Answer 6

Clips - strength of two extra nails
toe clips or side clips for forfeit - reduce strain imposed on nail by forward movement
quarter clips for hind - reduce lateral stress on nails (when making changes in directions in taking off at a jump)
Purpose - help secure shoe to hoof

Question 7

Common modification of corks (studs)

Answer 7

For traction to prevent slipping
Jumping and cross country or winter
Must never be left in shoes while stabled or transported

Question 8

Step 4: Nailing and Clenching Up

Answer 8

Before nailing, ensure shoe fits foot
Shoe support entire wall
Nail holes lie over white line
When shoe is placed on foot - should be no rocking, no light between shoe and hoof wall
See 1.6mm of the metal shoe beyond hoof wall, allowing he foot to grow and still be supported and protected

Question 9

Newly Shod Horse (8)

Answer 9

1. Shoe fits foot - provides support to heel
2. Foot is level wall bears evenly on shoe (no light between shoe and wall)
3. Weight of shoe and type are appropriate to size of horse and work to be done
4. Clenches are right length, not too far to the rear
5. Nails are correct size and number
6. Clips are low and broad flat against wall
7. No excessive cutting of sole or frog
8. When trotted, no signs of lameness

Question 10

Time to Shoe or Reset

Answer 10

Before wall wears down to sole
Reset every 4-8 weeks
Shoe becomes loose
Tendency to stumble
Maintain a record of resets