How to Shoe a Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking Horse's graceful stride is often put on display in shows and parades throughout the world.

Owning a Tennessee walking horse can be enjoyable and rewarding, providing owners with both outdoor activities and companionship. While owning a walking horse offers many benefits, it is important to understand the amount of care that must be provided to maintain the horse's health and well being. One of the most important aspects of horse care is the hoof. Hoofs are protected from cracking and wear by attaching a flat metal shoe to the bottom. This process is typically completed by a professional, known as a farrier.

Things You'll Need

• 4 Horse shoes
• Hoof trimmer
• Shoe puller
• Farrier nails
• Hammer
• Hoof jack

Instructions

1. Select a quiet location to shoe your horse. Tennessee walking horses are known for being calm and gentle; however, loud noises and distractions can make any horse nervous while being shod. Ask someone to assist you, as this will help to ensure your safety in case of an accident. Have all your tools in place, within reach.

2. Remove the old shoe, if the horse has one. Bend the horse's leg at the knee towards the rear and set it in the hoof jack. Position your shoe puller in the seam between the hoof and the metal shoe. Pull at each side of the shoe until it releases from the hoof.

3. Trim the excess growth of the hoof. You can determine how much of the hoof should be trimmed by looking at the bottom of the hoof. Make sure that the coffin bone is even with the pastern bones on each side of the hoof. Gently trim the edge of the hoof back until it is even. Do not trim too much at one time, as this will cause pain to the horse.

4. Measure the horse's hoof to ensure proper fit. Hammer the shoe against an anvil or solid surface to shape the shoe to the proper fit. Place the shoe against the bottom of the hoof to make sure the shoe is properly fitted. Nail the shoe to the hoof with the farrier nails and a hammer. Clip the excess part of the nail that comes through the top of the hoof. Hammer the remaining side over to prevent the nail from coming loose. File the hoof to create a smooth edge against the shoe. Repeat the process for each hoof.

Tips & Warnings

• Your Tennessee Walking Horse should be seen by a vet if its hoofs have excessive cracking or are abscessed.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension Service: Hoof Care; Mary Boyce; 2007
• The Hoof Project: Question and Answer Center
• Utah State University: Equine: Proper Basic Hoof Care