linda_kelly17•1mo agoProlific Poster

I used to think trimming a hoof with a rasp was just fine, but a clinic in Boise changed my mind.

For years, I was sure my old rasp method was good enough for finishing a trim. I'd get it close and call it done. Then, at a clinic put on by a farrier from Montana last fall, I watched him use a sharp hoof knife for the final pass. He said, 'A clean knife cut seals the hoof wall better than a rasp scratch.' I was pretty skeptical, but I tried it on a client's draft horse the next week. The difference was real. The hoof wall looked smoother and felt harder to the touch almost right away. Now I always take that extra minute with the knife for a cleaner finish. Has anyone else made a switch like this with their finishing tools?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_amy1mo ago

Ever try to finish a trim with a dull knife? That was my first attempt, looked like a beaver got to it.

felix_fox1mo ago

Oh, a dull knife is a special kind of disaster. I learned that the hard way, too. It just tears up the hoof and leaves you with more work to fix the mess. A sharp blade makes all the difference for that clean finish.

noahward18d ago

Feel your pain @the_amy, been there myself.