Fixing Hoof Cracks and Chips
How to Use a Rasp and Nippers for These Common Hoof Problems
Oct 29, 2008
Hooves are nothing more than huge toenails. To deal with these problems while still minor, the horse handler will need to use a rasp and/or nippers. These items can be purchased as most tack shops or feed stores.
It’s always a good idea to observe a farrier using these tools and to ask questions before you attempt to use them yourself.
Holding the Hoof
Before you can use either tool you’ll need to be able to hold the hoof in such a way that you have both hands free.
To hold the hoof of a front leg to work on the underside, you’ll pick it up as usual and then move it under your leg that’s closest to the horse and then between your legs just above the knee. To work on the topside, turn around and bring the hoof forward and rest the sole on your thigh. It’s best to use leather chaps for this if you have them since some horses wiggle and the hoof may slide and give you bruises or scrapes.
To hold the hind hoof, you’ll place the horse’s hoof over the leg closest to the horse and let the fetlock and hoof rest on top of your closed thighs. The space where your legs meet makes a nice little nook for the horses’ leg to rest in. To work on the top of the hind hoof, turn and place it on your thigh as you would the front hoof.
Please use common sense when doing these things If your horse is unused to having it’s feet handled or is rowdy during regular trims, leave this job up to the farrier. Being under a struggling horse can cause you serious damage.
Using the Rasp
A rasp is a large file used for filing hooves. It has a coarse side and a fine side. Most horse owners have seen farriers use these during routine trims and resets.
You’ll use the rasp to file down small chips and cracks.
First dig out the dirt or muck from where it’s packed into the crack and from between the hoof wall and the sole. Then take the coarse side of the rasp and file down from the outside of the hoof until the part of the hoof that has been pushed out is gone. Once that is gone, the dirt can no longer act as a wedge and widen the crack until is becomes serious.
Nippers
Nippers can be seen as huge toenail clippers and are used to snip away bigger hoof chips.
Hold the hoof so you can best see where the crack ends. Place the edges of the nippers where the hoof wall is still attached and simply snip it off. You may have a rough sharp edge. This can be smoothed away using the rasp.
Using the Nippers for Cracks
If the crack you wish to trim seems so be making the horse more than mildly lame or is difficult to reach, please leave this up to a farrier or veterinarian. Cutting too deeply can cause pain and hoof damage.
To deal with a crack, use the nippers to cut a wedge shape with the crack in the center. You’ll need to make sure the tip of the wedge cuts to the top of the crack and makes an angle of at least 100’. By trimming the crack away, stress is taken off the split and will prevent it from getting worse and will decrease the pain felt by the horse.
Always have a farrier check your work when they’re available to make sure your work is correct and to make sure no further work needs to be done.
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