Hoof care and farriery: daily care for your horse's hooves

A horse's hooves play a fundamental role in its locomotion, comfort, and general health. Their regular maintenance is essential, both daily and during trimming or shoeing. Tools dedicated to hoof care and farriery ensure rigorous hygiene, prevent problems, and allow for precise intervention during hoof work. This category includes both equipment for routine hoof care and specialized farriery tools.

Hoof care: essential daily grooming

Regular hoof care is an essential daily routine. It helps remove dirt, mud, and stones; prevent infections; monitor the condition of the sole, frog, and hoof wall; and quickly detect sensitivity or abnormalities.

Hoof picks

A hoof pick is the basic tool for hoof care.
It is used to:
• clean the sole,
• clear the frog,
• remove embedded debris.

Used daily, it actively contributes to preventing hoof problems.

Brushes

Brushes are used to:
• apply treatments (greases, oils, ointments),
• precisely clean certain areas,
• evenly spread care products.

They allow for clean, precise work that respects the hoof.

Farriery: tools and equipment for hoof work

Farriery encompasses the tools used during trimming, shoeing, and technical interventions on the horse's hoof. This equipment is primarily intended for farriers and hoof care professionals.

Hoof testers

Hoof testers are used to:
• check the sensitivity of the hoof,
• locate a painful area,
• check the condition of the sole or wall.

They are used with caution to refine hoof observation, especially in cases of doubt or discomfort.

Farrier kits

Farrier kits include several essential tools designed for common interventions and adapted to the needs of professionals or training. They provide a coherent set for effective work. Farrier kits generally contain a rasp, nippers, a hoof knife, pincers, an extraction tool, a farrier's hammer, and a nail clincher. Used by a professional, these farriery tools allow for proper trimming and shoeing of the horse's hoof.

Farrier aprons

Farrier aprons are designed to:
• protect the legs and crotch,
• secure work at the horse's hoof,
• offer high resistance to friction and impact.

Usually made of thick leather, they are equipped with reinforcements, adjustable waist straps, and often pockets or magnets for tools. They are essential for working safely.

Hole punches

Hole punches are used to:
• punch leather or certain materials,
• make clean and precise cuts,
• prepare elements necessary for leatherwork.

They ensure a clean finish and controlled work. They can be used to adjust a farrier's apron, enlarge a halter, a belt... and are very practical tools to have in the stable.

Tools adapted for every use

Hoof care and farriery require reliable tools, a suitable grip, resistant materials, and precise and safe use. Each piece of equipment meets a specific need, whether for daily maintenance or more advanced technical work.

FAQ – Foot Care and Farriery

How often should hooves be picked?
Ideally every day, and systematically before and after work.

Are farriery tools intended for riders?
They are primarily designed for professionals, but some can be used in a supervised or educational setting.

Why use a farrier's apron?
It protects the farrier and secures work at the horse's hoof.