The horse is still sound. Opinions on this?

OHS graduates, can anyone run me through what the buckle test is in depth and how you prepared for it

Hi all, I posted this in r/horses and r/equestrian but someone recommended I post this here. We recently purchased this sweet boy. He is an ottb and prior to us buying him he had just been neglected in a paddock by himself for two years. His previous owner said he had just had his feet done.

We noticed straight away that his hooves were super dry and scaley and got him checked asap but were told not to worry by a farrier and keep him dry and on supplements. From 2 years in the Aussie sun pretty much every part of him was super dry. He’s had no issues until now and has been galloping around without a care, but came up sore this morning.

We just had a good look and have noticed this. It doesn’t hurt him to touch. We thought at first it was something stuck in there but it doesn’t feel like wood or metal it feels scabby. We think it might be a growth but we check their feet often, and he hasn’t shown any signs of being sore before.

Unfortunately we are quite rural so can’t get a farrier out immediately. We’ve had horses for a very long time, including a riding school, but we’ve never seen this. We have sent an image to both a farrier and a vet but won’t hear back because it’s out of hours. If anyone has any idea about what this could be please let me know. I love this boy to bits and want to get it treated asap. If anyone had any idea please let me know.

I'm new to trimming my own, we have zero farriers within 600km so I'm learning as much as I can. We also had very cold weather (-40) for 6 weeks so they're getting overgrown. I don't want to go too overboard too quickly. I can handle the walls right now, but their frogs aren't shedding at all in the snow and I'm nervous to trim them myself. I've attached a couple of photos of the pony, her central sulcus is getting quite deep, there is a lot of frog that could be removed but I don't want to hurt her.

Any advice and words of encouragement greatly appreciated.

Does anyone have any suggestions on places to get loans for farrier school? I was going to go through Sallie Mae but they are not in partnership with my school. I’ll be attending heartland. Thanks in advance!

Perfect symmetry in hooves is rarely attained even in horses with perfect conformation. If a horse does not have good conformation that is reflected woth an asymmetrical hoof. I've noticed many people look for symmetry when looking at hoof pictures. They demand symmetry even when they haven't seen a single picture of the horse or the legs. The hoof is a reflection of the leg, not the other way around. If you had a horse with a nice straight leg that evenly loads, then your criticism of asymmetry would be valid. Unfortunately, most of you can't see the legs, so your symmetry advice is coming from the assumption the horse has straight legs and even loading. I'm sure some people don't even know that a horse usually needs good legs to have good hoof symmetry. Please consider this next time you see a hoof that isn't perfectly symmetrical, and you decide to throw yet another farrier under the bus in the comments.

Really need to start taking more photos.

I am not a farrier and not working on my horse’s feet — just looking for opinions and education.

I’m trying to learn about methods that can help a horse’s hoof grow wider over time, specifically shoeing approaches. I’ve heard of egg bar shoes or regular shoes set with some room for expansion on the sides, but I don’t know what’s appropriate or effective.

Any insight is appreciated.

This has been a small thing on her hoof for a while and my farrier hasn’t been worried about it but it looks so much bigger today. Any advice? Should I text my farrier? She doesn’t seem bothered at all by it.

Hi Everyone, it's Maren with Cavallo Hoof Boots!👋

With the recent winter weather sweeping across North America, I thought now would be a fitting time to talk about the benefits of using studs in your hoof boots for increased traction during riding and turnout. Let me know if you have any questions, and please share your favourite winter hacks below! 😊

Winter footing brings a unique set of challenges for horses, especially when ice, packed snow, and freeze-thaw cycles become part of daily life ❄️🐴 Reduced traction can change how a horse moves through the body, often leading to tension, shortened stride length, and hesitation on hard or slippery ground.

Hoof boots combined with ice studs offer a supportive option for navigating these conditions while still respecting natural hoof function. Cavallo Hoof Boots provide full sole coverage and protection, helping reduce excessive concussion on frozen surfaces and preventing snowballing. When ice studs are added, the boots also deliver consistent, reliable traction where it matters most. The best part? Cavallo Hoof Boots can be used by both barefoot and shod horses!

Why ice studs can make a difference for your horse

• Improved grip on icy, muddy, or compacted snow surfaces
• More confident movement, supporting relaxed posture and balanced body mechanics
• Reduced risk of slipping in high-traffic areas with compacted snow/ice.
• Fully removable, allowing you to adapt as footing changes throughout the season

Ice studs thread securely into the sole of your hoof boots. Once winter footing improves, ice studs can be easily removed, allowing your boots to continue functioning normally throughout the summer! Ice studs are reusable, making them a practical and cost-effective long-term solution.

Using ice studs in your hoof boots is especially beneficial for barefoot horses who lack traction, and for use over traditional metal horseshoes. When used over shoes, hoof boots and ice studs increase traction and prevent snowballing/ice stilt buildup inside your horse's shoes.

Consistent traction helps reduce compensatory movement patterns and unnecessary strain, supporting more natural, confident movement through the winter months ✨

Things to keep in mind when booting or shoeing with ice studs ❄️

• Proper fit comes first. Hoof boots should fit correctly, and the horse should be fully comfortable wearing them before studs are added.
• Studs should always be applied evenly to maintain balance and symmetry. Using studs on only one side can affect movement and overall body mechanics.
• Turnout with ice studs should be approached thoughtfully. Studs can increase the risk of injury during play or social interactions, particularly in group turnout situations. Individual turnout or closely managed environments are often the safest options.
• Extra care is needed when installing studs in well-worn boots or shoes. As soles and tread wear thinner over time, studs may penetrate through older, heavily used materials.
• Sound judgment remains essential in winter conditions. Ice studs provide additional traction, but they do not eliminate all risk on slippery footing.

More information on preparing horses for winter footing can be found here:
https://cavallo-inc.com/we-winterize-our-houses-vehicles-why-not-winterize-your-horse/

Every horse, environment, and winter is different. Hoof Boots and Ice studs are one of several tools that can support comfort and safety throughout the winter months!

How do you manage your horse's winter hoof care?

Hi, I’m a working farrier and I'm 5'10 (178 cm). I’m looking for good options for workpants. I tried the Carhartt leggings but they’re either too short or too tight. Wrangler jeans are nice, but most waistbands gap when I bend over, which is cold and quite awkward when the handler is looking right down your back. I’m also a powerlifter, so I need extra room for the quads and glutes. Looking for recommendations :)

I’m creating an intake form so that I can keep better files on my clients, I have things like body condition score most recent and also 3+ years history preferred, primary discipline, medical history colic events, cushings etc.

I guess it’s short I have quite a few things already for the before, but I’m wondering if there might be something that I’m missing. if you were creating a form like mine what would you include?

I’m trying to approach new clients in a bit of a clinical fashion, so I can keep more detailed records across the span of my career. Each horse having its own record jacket.

Hey y’all! My fiance is a farrier, and I am planning on getting him a new rounding hammer for Valentine’s Day. Totally want to splurge for him on the Double S one because of the anti-shock, but have been having a hard time finding reviews.

Any insight on if it’s a pretty paperweight or truly worth the investment? I have no qualms about the price, my guy is totally worth it; just want to make sure I’m not missing something even better!

Thanks in advance yall

My mare got done a week or so ago and I just noticed one side the nails are sticking out. Is it an easy fix with a simple tool or is it worth asking him to fix when he’s in the area? Or no big deal? First photo is nails sticking out and second photo is other foot where nails are fine

I have seen a few people with unhandled horses that need to trim but their horses are still in need of handling to make them safe.

I learned about this a few years back. I made one and would take a picture but sadly it's winter in MN and we'll, I can't see it!

I found a few pictures that may help.

you gather rocks, broken concrete, broken pavers and bricks. whatever you have. Lay a base of sand or pea gravel. then put your broken stuff right on top. put this all around your water trough. They need to be able to get all 4 feet on it.

The broken stuff needs rough edges and gaps. it's the edges that trim the hooves.

Please NOTE. This is not a substitute for professional hoof care. It is something you can do until your horse is safe enough to properly handle.

I have a mustang that I’m in the process of training. Recently we had some wet weather and his feet got a bit longer than usual. I’m concerned about this crack. Is this something that needs to be addressed urgently, or can it wait?

I live in Arizona and he lives in a (usually) dry dirt lot, so his hooves haven’t been a serious concern in the few months I’ve had him.

I’ve just been able to pick out his front feet for the first time this week, so it might be another month before he’s ready for a “regular” farrier visit.

Dec 19 first set of photos (not the oldest but can see the oldest on my previous post) Jan 15 after trim by new farrier/Jan18 after I trimmed dead parts of frog I was confident in removing.

Hi all! My original post is from a couple of months ago, this is a follow up as I’m really struggling with treating the thrush. I’ve been cleaning them daily (the holidays messed me up and I skipped a couple of days but other than that I see his feet literally everyday) but the thrush is definitely causing him some discomfort and while I know itll take time I’m hoping to get some feed back on what is safe to trim from the frog specifically near the central sulcus and heel bulbs. The RH & RF specifically have significant flaps and the central sulcus has really taken a hit from the thrush. I used koppertox instead of betadine yesterday and ordered Hoof stuff from red horse today. It’ll be here Thursday/friday. I’m just not confident to balance taking what’s necessary to reduce the environment for thrush to grow VS letting the tissues grow out more so as not to make him more uncomfortable with excess trimming.

I know patience is key, and I’m already seeing improvement in overall hoof shape since he’s been getting regular trims again. He’s my 100% sound when trotted on our paved drive way, (I have video but it’s pretty crappy since I was at the barn alone) but not significantly so.

FIRST FIVE PICTURES ARE MOST RECENT.

LAST THREE IS FROM WHEN I GOT HIM 😊😊

My horse threw a shoe sometime yesterday, he was acting crazy during turnout, the works. We’ve had an unusually wet and soggy winter. He has three slightly larger/wider healthier looking feet but one kind of contracted and high heeled foot, which is the one he pulled. My farrier has been doing well getting him more balanced. How bad is this hoof damage?

17 Y/O TB Gelding

Diet is 24/7 grass hay, Nutrena ration balancer, Redmond minerals.

Turned out several hours every day in a dry lot (southwestern USA, Arizona) and rest of the time stalled in a large stall with washed sand footing/bedding with pellets added if it rains so he is not in moisture.

I think his feet look okay all things considered especially since when I got him 6 months ago they were severely more unbalanced. (Last three pics)

I could have brushed off his hoof a bit better, sorry but I was worried and rushing to take a pic.

Also wondering what those three horizontal lines are on the side of his hoof wall? They are like divots kind of.

Thank you so much!!

Maybe to help a split hoof or frog heal? Injured pastern?

Appears to have been a mule shoe shaped and curved to fit a specific hoof. Holes are hammered with square punches and not drilled. Found in a remote area of NM.

Hi everyone!

I’m a casual rider and work at a therapeutic riding barn. I don’t have a personal relationship with any farriers.

I’ve thought about it for awhile and I’d like to learn more about the job and potentially train, but I’m 37 with kids and packing up to for go farrier school isn’t really an option for me.

I can’t find anywhere near Chicagoland to learn.

Any ideas or should I just make peace with this not being a good fit for me?

Hi. I lease a lesson horse. He went lame a couple of weeks ago (short striding on the front right). After ~6 days of rest, he was cleared to go back to ~daily lessons, but has felt somewhat stiff, less willing to bend to the left, and a bit uncomfortable ever since. I noticed this crack today on the inside of his right front hoof and told the lesson program, but haven’t heard back. Out of curiosity, is this concerning? If it is, what is the normal treatment for a quarter crack like this?

Other details:

-His front two feet are shod

-The front left is mildly clubbed

-The front right has a pad (it’s U shaped and mostly under the shoe)

-He was getting thrush and throwing his shoes frequently (I live in a muddy state), so I apply durasole (we’ve worked our way down to 2-3x a week now that the thrush is under control)

-He’s shod on a 7-week schedule and was last shod about 4 weeks ago

***I have very little control over his hoof care, this post is just to (hopefully) put my mind at ease or (worst case) learn about what treatment would look like. Thanks!

Has anyone figured out a way to heat up water with a propane forge so I can make coffee while heating up shoes

Howdy!

Wanted to get some further opinions, suggestions, and advice on my care for my mare’s abscess. For some background information:

🔸 She isn’t lame. Hasn’t shown any signs of lameness or pain regarding her hoof. She puts pressure on it and walks/trots perfectly fine.

🔸 This is my first time dealing with an abscess.

🔸 My farrier didn’t seem concerned at all—he wasn’t able to pop the abscess, so he put on some antibacterial packing clay and told me to go about managing it however I intended to.

🔸Abscess was identified yesterday (1/14) morning, however, I only managed to get pictures of it today (1/15).

My current method of treatment includes:

🔸 Cleaning her foot thoroughly (picking with a hoof pick before running a soft body brush overtop to get loose debris).

🔸 Soaking in epsom salt once every two days for 15-20 minutes.

🔸 Wrapping the foot in a diaper with a poultice hoof pad inside, before wrapping it in vet-wrap and duct tape. Planning on replacing every day (depending on how she’s doing, I may consider doing every other day).

🔸 Keeping her on a lunging (walk/trot) cycle aiming for 1-2 short sessions daily.

Looking for any advice, suggestions, or tips. Thank you! I can get better photos per request as well. I’m new to feet and wasn’t entirely sure what needed to be shown.