Re: Hoof Wall Flares

["Heidi Smith" <heidi@sagehillcmk.com>]

> 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...??

They're both right.  But if you don't rasp the flares, the hoof may grow
into an abnormal and weak shape, whereas if you do rasp them, you should be
able to control them so that future growth is straighter.  You have to look
at the big picture and where you are going in future trimmings, not just the
immediate result.  So a slight weakness now will bring you a better hoof
later.  No contest here---rasp!!

Heidi