© Randy Sublett
(Randy, a practicing farrier, writes articles oriented to horse owners.)
" Do you do hot shoeing?" This is the most common question asked this farrier. And the answer is always "Yes, it is the only way that I shoe horses." Little do they know that the reason I only do hot shoeing is because I am lazy. A hot shoe is a lot easier to shape. I personally do not like to spend a lot of time beating the daylights out of a cold piece of steel. There is no future in it - ask any blacksmith. The advantage is that if the shoe is easier to shape, it is more likely the farrier will shape the shoe to the foot. Remember, shaping the foot to the shoe is done by someone other than a person who has the best interest of your horse in mind. At times I will shape a portion of the foot to the shoe such as removing the flare from the quarters, but this is only because I know from experience where that hoof wall should end up.
Another advantage to hot shoeing is the fit between the ground surface of the hoof and the shoe. When the shoe is still at a black heat and the shaping and leveling of the shoe is complete, then it is placed against the ground surface of the hoof so as to cause a slight discoloration of the hoof material. This tells the farrier if the foot is flat or if there are high spots that need to be filed a bit more. These high spots show up as brown areas, from the heat of the shoe scorching the hoof wall at the ground surface. When these high spots are removed, the shoe should have an excellent fit to the hoof.
Hot shoeing must be done when fitting shoes with toe or quarter clips that are added to prevent the shoe from slipping rearward on the hoof. It is also necessary to heat the shoe when making most corrective shoes. But remember an important item here. I said the shoe is at a black heat, which is around 200 - 300 degrees F. You will need a little more heat to burn in clips but at no time should a red-hot shoe be placed on the hoof of a horse - not even for a second - as this can cause a great deal of damage to the hoof wall. It looks real neat, with all that smoke rolling off the foot and all. I know. I did it once in farrier school. But after I regained consciousness from a sharp blow to the head from the instructor, I found out that it is not such a good idea and at no time should you let a farrier do this to any horse. I know some farriers who like to melt the hoof wall instead of using a rasp, but this really can do some serious damage to the foot.
It should be noted that the farrier who does not do hot shoeing is just as capable of doing a good job. As long as the shoe fits and the foot is flat, there is no difference between a basic hot or cold shoeing.
Randy welcomes comments or questions about his articles. He may be reached by E-mail.
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