Idiot's guide to holding hoof nippers, please

[Tiddlypom]

I bought a very decent set of hoof nippers when I set myself up to trim my horse's feet myself a couple of years ago. I have, however, been too scared to use them and instead use a rasp to trim the feet!

I did need to use them in earnest last night when one of them (not the horse in the pics) came in with a big chunk of hoof wall splitting off. The rasp would have made the split worse, so I did my best with the nippers. Result not too bad, took off as little as possible, horse is comfortable, and farrier is due here anyway in 3 days for one of his regular 3 monthly visits.

How is the best way to hold the dang things?

These are demo pics only showing my current technique, I didn't actually use them on this horse, I just rasp her. I don't seem to be able get them sufficiently wide apart one handed. I probably could use them two handed when the foot is resting in the hoof jack cradle, but that's not always suitable.

I can ask my friendly farrier for advice on Friday, but any HHOers got any tips or tricks, please?

Opening the nippers up TP style.




Closing the nippers TP style

 

[ester]

I used my two handed, I didn’t use them that often, if I did I’d have got a spring

 

[Tiddlypom]

There are springs?

Sounds ideal, where might I be able to purchase suitable springs from?

 

[julesjoy]

Two handed here too.

 

[Polos Mum]

They are v tricky - my trimmer suggested a spring when I asked him.

I wondered if my small ish hands were the issue - but he said it's much more difficult than they make it look (as is anything skilled)

I've also had recent success with bored school holiday teenage children holding up the feet (with 2 hands) while I do the nipping two handed.

 

[Polos Mum]

https://www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk/product/nipper-spring/

This I think is what might be helpful

 

[Pinkvboots]

I would use 2 hands that's the way my farrier does it.

 

[Red-1]

I use two hands, rest the foot on my knee. I am aware that this is silly. Sometimes needs-must!

 

[GinaGeo]

Easiest to use two hands. It is possible one handed, but start off holding them pretty low down and then shuffle your hand up once they're in the place to make use of the leverage. But does take quite a lot of practise and is made easier with a spring.

 

[Fransurrey]

Two hands here, too. I think most people do that.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Thanks for all the advice, folks.

I'll get a set of springs.

Expect an update entitled 'idiots guide how to fit springs to hoof nippers, please' .

 

[Cragrat]

I have this spring - it's really useful. When the rubber bands perish I just replace them with lamb rings.

 

[Highmileagecob]

The Cavallo Barefoot Trim video is a masterclass hoof trim, and the farrier clearly demonstrates how to hold each bit of kit and what angles to trim. The hooves in your photos look in good shape - you could just use the rasp to take the edges back and roll them.

 

[HighFive]

I have tiny hands and short fingers, I use 2 hands

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I bought nippers, shoe puller, rasp & buffer many years ago & have seldom used them. I got them after I brought my horse in & he'd twisted one of his shoes & it was half on half off & he could hardly walk. I couldn't get hold of a farrier so I removed the shoe very carefully. I knew that with out a buffer I could damage the hoof but eventually managed it using a pair of 'Mole Grips'. So my emergency kit is in my tack room in case any of the horses are in similar trouble & need help.

 

[soloequestrian]

I have the spring but still use two hands with foot balanced on my lap (or half a lap!). Spring still helps.

 

[Tiddlypom]

A positive update to this .

After being thrown in at the deep end having to use my hoof nippers in an early evening mini emergency two months ago, I am now using them regularly and haven't had any disasters. I do use them two handed.

Today I trimmed the horse who had come in with the large split in a hind hoof two months ago. The split has now grown out. She was never lame on it. My farrier, who was supposed to check my emergency rescue trim, has since gone on one of his regular AWOL episodes, so it's all been down to me.

Didn't get around to taking pics today, but this is what she did originally, and my initial emergency trim. The split came from nowhere, I'd earlier that day picked out her feet and there was nothing brewing - I wonder if she stood awkwardly on a stone? Thank goodness that I had the nippers to hand.

 

[Surbie]

Have to say my initial reaction to that first photo was 'oh f***!' Nice rescue.

I don't have nippers, but am rasping every couple of days to keep the roll on the wall. This insane grass is making them grow quite fast.