Are you a farrier wishing to improve and advance your shoeing abilities? Or perhaps you’re new to the horseshoeing industry and want to make sure you have all the resources required for success. In any case, we have you covered! We’ll be providing our list of the top ten farrier tool kit essentials in this blog article. These crucial instruments, which range from nippers to rasps and hoof picks to clinchers, will enable you to work with each horse to its full potential. So let’s get started on creating the ideal farrier supplies while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Anvil
One of the most essential instruments for a farrier is an anvil. While horseshoeing, they are employed to form and mould heated metals. Cast iron or steel should be used to make a nice anvil, and its surface should be level and smooth. There are many sizes of anvils, so it’s crucial to pick the right one for the horse you’re shoeing.
Before using an anvil, it should be set down on a stable surface. The best option is a sturdy stand or table. To keep the anvil from sliding while in operation, it should also be fastened using clamps or vice grips.
Always use gloves and safety eyewear when handling hot metals to safeguard against burns and flying shards.
Equine stand
For any farrier, a hoof stand is a necessary piece of equipment. It keeps the horse’s foot steady as you work on the hooves while giving you both hands free to do so. Choose a hoof stand that is convenient for you to use and that fits your preferences from among the many various styles that are available.
Rasp
One of the most useful and necessary farrier tools is the rasp, which you are losing out on if you don’t already have one in your kit. Rasps are available in a range of sizes, shapes, and grits, so there is one that is ideal for any task. A competent rasp can handle any duty, from trimming superfluous material to shaping hooves.
A rasp is a necessary tool for maintaining healthy and well-trimmed hooves on any species of horse. If you’ve never used a rasp before, start with a medium or coarse grit to immediately smooth off any roughness. Choose a finer grit for tasks that need greater finesse, such as hoof shaping or the removal of minute quantities of material. Ask your farrier for help if you’re unsure which one to use; they can suggest the most appropriate rasp for the task at hand.
Nippers
An excellent set of nippers is among the farrier toolkit essentials. Horse hoof trimming tools, or nippers, exist in a range of sizes and forms. While you may get by with a simple set of nippers, it’s wise to spend your money on a pair of high-quality scissors that will serve you for many years. Use nippers with high-carbon steel construction and non-slip handles if you want to avoid injury.
Chaps
As a horse owner, you are aware that keeping sound hooves is one of the most crucial components of horse care. Working with a skilled farrier to maintain your horse’s hooves balanced and properly trimmed is a key part of that. Yet, even if you don’t consider yourself to be an expert, your toolbox should still have a few essential farrier accessories.
A pair of chaps is one of the most crucial items for any horse owner to keep on hand. Chaps shield your legs from unintentional nicks and cuts caused by the horse’s hooves as you work on them. They also assist in keeping your trousers tidy and dirt-free.
Chaps come in a wide variety of sorts and designs, so it’s critical to pick the best pair for your requirements. Waterproof chaps are an excellent choice if you’ll be working in muddy or rainy circumstances frequently. Look for breathable chaps made of mesh or other light fabrics for hot weather.
Whichever kind of chaps you select, ensure they are comfortable to wear and that they fit properly. Trimming hooves will require you to spend a lot of time stooping, so you don’t want anything restricting your motion or irritating your skin.
Hammer
Horseshoeing requires the use of a variety of hammers for various tasks. The claw hammer, which is used to drive and pull nails, is the most typical kind of hammer. A unique kind of hammer called a farrier’s hammer features a chisel point on one side and a cross peen on the other. Horseshoes are shaped and bent with this kind of hammer. Another kind of hammer that is helpful for shaping metal is a ball peen hammer. A mallet, a soft-faced hammer, is used when more power is required than a clawhammer can deliver or for delicate work.
Tongs
Each farrier needs a decent set of tongs as a basic piece of equipment. When working on horseshoes, tongs are used to grasp and hold heated metal. The metal may also be bent and shaped using them. Tongs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s crucial to pick the correct ones for the job.
The size of the horse’s hooves, the type of metal being handled with, and the intended outcomes are some factors to take into account while selecting tongs. To work with smaller hoof, for instance, smaller tongs are preferable, whereas larger tongs might be utilised for larger hooves. You will need a set of tongs that can handle high temperatures if you want to operate with hot iron.
Apron
Every farrier should have an apron. It keeps your tools close at hand and saves your clothing from being soiled. To keep your rasps, nails, and other equipment organised, go for an apron with lots of pockets.
Boots
There are a few essential tools that you must have in your farrier arsenal in order to complete the task properly. A quality pair of boots is among the top items on that list. They offer stability and grip while working on slick areas in addition to shielding your feet from wayward hooves and nails.
Glue
Glue is one of the most crucial items in a farrier’s toolkit. There are several varieties of glues on the market, each having advantages and drawbacks of their own. A quick description of some of the most prevalent glue categories used by farriers is provided below:
– Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue): This kind of glue sets up rapidly and is highly strong, making it perfect for last-minute repairs. Yet it may be challenging to deal with, and not all kinds of shoes can wear it.
– Polyurethane (Shoe Goo): Compared to cyanoacrylate, this form of adhesive is far more adaptable and may be used on a number of different shoes. Although it is not nearly as strong as cyanoacrylate, it sets up rapidly and produces a strong binding.
– Epoxy: This glue’s strength and slow setting time give you plenty of time to place the shoe appropriately. Yet it may be tricky to deal with and needs careful attention when blending and applying.
No matter what kind of glue you use, make sure you thoroughly read the directions before using.
