Hoof rasp to

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mariew

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I have finally taken responsibility for my horse and she's back in my care. She's never had a farrier and I'm not intending to start for a little while, if ever. We may get there , we may not. This is not a discussion about this as there's a long backstory.

She has very good feet that kind of self trim but sometimes I will just need to maybe tidy up the worst of the jagged edges. What are the best tools I can use to make sure I don't do any accidental damage? Are those v shaped one handed ISH rasps any good and what brand would you recommend if you have actually used one? She is not trained to a good stand so will need something I can manage without that.
 
I don’t know your back story to this or why the horse has never seen a farrier.

The best foolproof rasp is the Radius pro rasp, but it’s best used to finish off or to keep on top of the feet in between proper trims

www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk

Radius Rasp Pro RR-2 - Equine Podiatry Supplies

Creating a smooth rounded edge along the perimeter of the hoof wall is essential for maintaining durable hoof shape and the healthy function of the ‘Mustang Roll.’ The Radius Rasps have a concave form specially designed to remove wall horn in an arc. This action makes the task of rounding the...
www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk

I bought one as my first ever rasp and still use it to finish off, though I now also have multiple other professional quality rasps, each with their own use. It is easier to use if the foot is on a stand, but if needs must it could be used without if you can keep the foot still.
 
Please purchase genuine farrier standard tools. There are great little self care packs available which include rasps and hoof knives but they are challenging to use as they are mass produced and of lower quality.

Get yourself a rasp, hoof knife, nippers and hoof stand. Make it easy for yourself with good tools.
 
I have tried to use a small handheld rasp (not the one above but one with a wooden handle) and found it trickier to use than a standard rasp and handle. You can pick these up on eBay for a reasonable price.
 
I am assuming OP that your horse is barefoot?? I'm a YO and all the horses on our yard are barefoot (owners' choice).

In which case I would recommend that you ask for some good recommendations for either a barefoot-friendly farrier (yes they DO exist, we had a super one!) or an Equine Podiatrist (EP) and ask them to look at your horse's feet - rather than do a DIY job. Your horse's feet will benefit in the long-term from having professional attention and also if there are any issues developing you will know about it.

Can I signpost you to a really helpful barefoot group: "The Barefoot Horse Owners Group UK" which is on Facebook. There are a lot of us on there, and there are also experts in the field of farriery, barefoot trimming, EP's, and hoof boot suppliers.

I have a radial rasp; there are two kinds if I recall, an ordinary one and a "course" one.
 
I'm interested in recommendations too, as I find a long rasp a bit unwieldy. I'm looking for something to help keep Angel's feet tidy between trims, and to help maintain the acceptance she finally has of having her feet rasped. The farrier is happy for me to do this as he knows I'm not going to go mad (I've already had one nightmare about rasping the feet until the hooves disappear, it was horrible).
 
I think that if anyone is even going to keep their feet in order they are going to have to learn to use a farrier's rasp. I appreciate it may seem daunting but how about starting with one like this.
www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk

Diamond Mini Rasp - Equine Podiatry Supplies

Smaller version of the Standard hoof rasp. Practical tool, for anyone who takes care of animals For smaller hooves and claws Fixed handle
www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk

it will be easier to use than a full size rasp and make it easier to work up to a normal size rasp. Not too expensive if you don't like it. You will need to learn to use the rasp with the foot picked up (as you would clean it) from the underneath and also from the top as you would with the foot on a stand.

A lot of this is just knack as is using a rasp. With a small rasp you can practise the moves of bringing the foot back, forwards and rasping around the edges. Once you have learnt this, and it does take time to become automatic, then you could consider moving on to a larger rasp (you can get them without a tang, the pointy handle end) so they are shorter but full size.

Fjord said:
(I've already had one nightmare about rasping the feet until the hooves disappear, it was horrible).
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I'm sorry to say it but having watched many first timers trim with a rasp they rarely manage to take even a tiny amount off in their fear :D:D it is very unlikely that having tried it you will be having nightmares. Possibly aching trying to hold the foot up and rasp at the same time but rarely will the hooves disappear. Don't worry you will be fine. :D:D:D:D
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
I am assuming OP that your horse is barefoot?? I'm a YO and all the horses on our yard are barefoot (owners' choice).

In which case I would recommend that you ask for some good recommendations for either a barefoot-friendly farrier (yes they DO exist, we had a super one!) or an Equine Podiatrist (EP) and ask them to look at your horse's feet - rather than do a DIY job. Your horse's feet will benefit in the long-term from having professional attention and also if there are any issues developing you will know about it.

Can I signpost you to a really helpful barefoot group: "The Barefoot Horse Owners Group UK" which is on Facebook. There are a lot of us on there, and there are also experts in the field of farriery, barefoot trimming, EP's, and hoof boot suppliers.

I have a radial rasp; there are two kinds if I recall, an ordinary one and a "course" one.
Click to expand...
Maybe long term I will consider a farrier if she gets to a point where she can cope mentally. She really doesn't trust people easily and I am just trying to get her to trust me at the moment. She's been barefoot without a farrier all her life so I'm not going to introduce a massive stress in a hurry.

I also got caught up in the barefoot frenzy about 10 years ago with some pretty bad experiences so am not looking to get suckered back into that rabbit warren:/ But I take your point, if she gets to a point where she can trust random people quickly I'll look for a good local farrier who is sympathetic and experienced in bf horses.

It's just to get rid of the worst of any chips really to start with.
I like the looks of that little diamond one below, I shall try that to start.
 
Oh god, definitely get gloves! I rasped my thumb, only a tiny bit but it hurt! Will look at the diamond rasp, and thanks for the reassurance Paddy!
 
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