Hoof Jack

[Fun Times]

Hello everyone, first time posting on here having spent years lurking in the background! I was wondering whether anyone has experience of using a hoofjack (which is a sort of cradle type system that holds the horse's hoof up for you)?

I have long term back injuries and really struggle to stud-up at events. I am hoping that something like the Hoof Jack would help save my back. But, it's a lot of money to spend on something only to find that it doesn't work or makes things more difficult!

There's not much on the internet in the form of independent reviews, so would really appreciate hearing from anyone with first hand experience of these (or similar products)!

Thanks!

 

[Farcical1]

My farrier uses one for my slightly arthritic oldie. He rates it and so does she!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I asked my farrier about one when I went barefoot, he said he felt they were not safe to use unless the horse was quiet.
For that reason, he used the standard tripod and his [strong] thighs etc.

 

[Vetwrap]

I have one, as my boy is barefoot. Personally, I think that you would be ok if you taught your horse to accept and trust placing his foot in the cradle - and he was not the sort to get overly lit up again events.

I bought mine of eBay. It's a cheaper copy, but does the job.

Hope this helps

 

[fabian]

I use a hoof jack to trim six horses varying in size from mini Shetland to 17hh ID. I have an old lower back/pelvis injury and find that the hoof jack really does help make me more comfortable while trimming. I wouldn't be without it. Definitely worth the money in my opinion. My two arthritic oldies also find it much comfier than a traditional hoof stand.

 

[Randonneuse]

Look on ebay for Hoof stand. Paddypfeni is the seller (also has a website with lots of infos and videos). I bought mine few weeks ago and happy with the cradle

 

[soloequestrian]

I have back problems and trim my own horses. I have a little milking stool which I sit on and then I rest their feet over my lap. It works well, although perhaps might not be as safe with a hyped up horse at an event. Although that would probably be the case for the hoof jack too!

 

[Fun Times]

Thanks for the replies everyone. My main concern as noted by a few of you is the prospect of trying to persuade a hyped up horse to keep his foot in the cradle when all he wants to do is go and look at the XC course! I can see me trailing round after him, hoof cradle in hand whilst he does inelegant pirouettes!!