In nature, horses ride where it is more convenient. Therefore, their hooves do not wear off too quickly. It is a completely different matter when an animal is used for riding or for performing any work. In this case, the hooves may thin out or change shape in a short period of time. Correct the situation by horseshoeing. This procedure does not deliver any pain to the animal. His hooves remain intact for a long time. Well, of course, a horseshoe feels much more comfortable during work.
A bit of history
People began to protect horses' hooves with metal a very long time ago - back in the first century AD. However, at that time not horseshoes were used, but special iron covers. Of course, in such "shoes" the animal did not feel comfortable. The horseshoes themselves began to use the Celts. Later, in the sixth century, this tradition was adopted by the Germans, Slavs and Vandals. In those days, it was also believed that a horseshoe (a photo of such animals can be seen on this page) works better.
Horseshoe steps
This procedure itself is performed by people of a rather rare profession today - blacksmiths. In order for the horseshoe to feel comfortable, the procedure should, of course, be carried out using a certain technology. Make a horseshoe in several stages:
The animal is examined in peace and motion. Previously, the horse is placed on a flat platform to determine the setting of its legs.
Remove the old horseshoe.
Align the hooves.
Take a measurement.
Customize the horseshoe.
Nail her.
What tools are used?
So, let's see how to properly shoe a horse. First of all, of course, you need to prepare all the necessary tools. Horse shoeing is performed using:
How to remove a horseshoe?
Before performing this procedure, the blacksmith clamps the animal’s foot between the knees so that the shin is in front of him. Then he raises the horse's limb up and chopped off or bends off the wing of the lamb. Actually, the procedure for removing a horseshoe itself looks like this:
Forging mites are placed between the horseshoe and the hoof in the heel.
Their handles are directed downward, pulling the horseshoe alternately on one and the other branches.
They hammer the horseshoe back with a hammer.
The tongs that are pulled out by the tongs are captured by the mites and pulled out of the hoof. This procedure usually begins with the calcaneal part.
Outsole trim
The horny part of the hoof in horses grows quickly (approximately like nails in humans). And sometimes not too evenly. Therefore, before attaching the horseshoe, the sole should be aligned. Among other things, this procedure in some cases allows you to correct the incorrect setting of the legs of the animal. A horseshoe shoe that has a similar defect can be used more intensively in work. Trimming of hooves using a rasp in the direction from the heel parts. Only the cracked dead horn is removed (leaving a thin layer of it). Trimming should be done as carefully as possible. If a too thin layer is removed from the hoof, then the horn may break off. If the blacksmith, on the contrary, “overdoes it,” the horse can be injured when used in work.
Measurement
Horseshoes for horses are made on site or purchased ready-made. Their size can be different (from 0 to 8). For the front and rear hooves, unequal horseshoes are used. Measure is usually taken using a twig or ruler. To select the correct horseshoe, you should know the width of the sole in two places, as well as its length from one of the heel nodes to the middle of the hook.
Horseshoe Fit
This procedure should be performed without fail. In this case, the main rule must be observed: the horseshoe is fitted to the hoof, and not vice versa. After shoeing, the metal should fit as tightly as possible to the hoof. Achieving this is the main goal of the fit. The nails on the horseshoe should be opposite the white line. Also, when performing the fitting, it is necessary to ensure that in the lateral and hook parts the metal protrudes beyond the hoof by 0.5-1 mm, on the heel - by 3 mm, from the heel angles by 4-8 mm in mount animals and by 10-15 mm in harnessed.
Mount
Horseshoe nails can be used in different lengths. Hammer them in the hoof with light blows of a hammer. Previously, the horseshoe is fixed with two nails. Then the blacksmith lowers the horse's leg and checks the correctness of its location. Displacements are eliminated by light hammer blows. After the horseshoe takes the desired position, it is fixed with the remaining nails.
A well-grounded horse works much better. But in any case, this operation must be repeated periodically. The time interval between the replacement of the horseshoes depends primarily on the conditions under which the animal works, as well as on the growth rate of the stratum corneum of the hooves. Usually horses are reforged once a month and a half.
So, we have figured out how to shoe a horse. For beginners blacksmithing, we hope this information will be useful. The main thing when making a horseshoe is to align the sole of the hoof well and secure the horseshoe correctly.