Old timer told me to ditch the rasp and only use a file for final touches

Met this farrier at a clinic in Ohio last fall, been doing horses 40 years. He said my rasps were leaving uneven spots on the hoof wall that would cause chipping later. I thought he was stuck in his ways so I kept doing my thing. Six months later I noticed three horses I did had cracks forming along those rough lines. Tried his method on a big Belgian draft last week and the finish was way smoother. Anyone else had an old pro give advice that sounded weird but actually worked out?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbara_kim1d ago

Try filing one hoof and see the difference yourself.

black.patricia1d ago

Would filing just one hoof really tell you enough if the other three feet have issues too? I've seen horses go lame from uneven wear across all four, and a single hoof test doesn't always show the whole picture. But it's a fair starting point to see if you're onto something before you do all four.