Whoa~! Rein 'em in here and show your horse! 2026

[Ravenbird]

I learned to trim and shoe my personal horse, but it was never easy physically. Only doing one horse I never got fit for the job and never got fast. When boots became a thing for trail and endurance riding I quit metal shoes, then quit doing any feet at all when I found a good shoer. I still have my anvil and hand tools which I should let go, but some things become sentimental.

My nippers were a bit over $200, but they are excellent quality and cut through the hoof wall easily.

Yup. Quality tools are worth every penny. Mine are G.E., probably 30 years old now, with one re-build.

 

[Sunje]

I learned to trim and shoe my personal horse, but it was never easy physically. Only doing one horse I never got fit for the job and never got fast. When boots became a thing for trail and endurance riding I quit metal shoes, then quit doing any feet at all when I found a good shoer. I still have my anvil and hand tools which I should let go, but some things become sentimental.

Yup. Quality tools are worth every penny. Mine are G.E., probably 30 years old now, with one re-build.

That's good to know. My nippers are GE. Not sure how to get them rebuilt if/when I need to (probably not in my lifetime)--send them back to the manufacturer?

I use boots only now, when I need them. My mare needs them, but I think my gelding will be able to go barefoot. Rocks don't seem to bother him at all, and his feet are rock-hard themselves. Good on you for learning how to shoe!! That is well above my knowledge level.

I've seen a different kind of shoe that is in 3 pieces--toe plate and 2 heel plates, screws onto the hoof. It is the coolest thing!! Allows the hoof to flex where it needs to, but still protects the foot. I can't remember the brand, will have to find it.