Hoof Wall Flares

[guest@endurance.net]

Lynne Tomovick ltomovick@hotmail.com
To rasp or not to rasp hoof wall flares?

I've always learned that they should be rasped to create vertical growth
in the horn tubules, therefore creating strength and balance.  Also, this
is a way to shorten the toe and change the hoof angle without taking too
much sole off.  This is the way my old farrier trimmed my horses and I
never had problems.  He learned under Dr. Doug Butler.  My new farrier,
whom I've had trim my horses twice, says that rasping the flare weakens
the hoof wall.

Experiences...??