I've been putting it off using one excuse or another...too hot, too dry, too wet, too busy. Today there was no excuse. The weather was warm but the humidity was low and there was a nice breeze. So I brought my long hooved mule in from the pasture and set up to trim her. I was so pleasantly surprised how well she did. You'd think by her age it would be no big deal anymore, but sometimes she can be quite unnerving. After today I'm beginning to think she is finally starting to mellow. And tonight I'm so glad to have that task off my list and off my mind not to mention the fact that her feet look sooo much better!!
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090 A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Jun 15 2011 : 7:17:48 PM
That is wonderful that you know how to trim their hooves! I wish I knew how to do a trim job for my horse. One of these days I am going to take a class and learn. Save myself about $300 a year!
I, too, am jealous. I have tried to trim my horses' hooves but have no strength in my hands (carpal tunnel). Plus in the summertime their hooves are harder than rock. Even the farrier says so. Fortunately their hooves don't grow in the winter enough to necessitate having them trimmed. So I get a financial break until spring. But I always tell my shoer that I won't be calling him during the winter so he doesn't depend on my check.
When I trimmed professionally I used to tell my clients who wanted to maintain their own horses that if you keep up with it (do as I say, not as I do ) then you can keep their hooves in shape just by rasping. It is the same concept of keeping your own fingernails filed smooth and neat. A once a week rasping will keep them shaped up and never need a nipper. It is actually better and healthier for the horse anyway, prevents flares and keeps their hoof walls much stronger than allowing them to grow long and weak. A nice SaveEdge brand rasp is very sharp and doesn't require much strength at all!
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090 A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2011 : 2:07:56 PM
I am afraid to try it without training. Tala has to walk on those feet and I would feel so bad if I messed them up!
Trimmed my mule's hooves today
Posted - Jun 15 2011 : 6:58:20 PM
) then you can keep their hooves in shape just by rasping. It is the same concept of keeping your own fingernails filed smooth and neat. A once a week rasping will keep them shaped up and never need a nipper. It is actually better and healthier for the horse anyway, prevents flares and keeps their hoof walls much stronger than allowing them to grow long and weak. A nice SaveEdge brand rasp is very sharp and doesn't require much strength at all!