Posted by Jim R. on August 17, 2003 at 17:20:15:
In Reply to: Re: Draft Horse Clinches posted by Derin Foor on August 13, 2003 at 22:26:58:
: : : Recently I spent time with 2 different farriers learning about draft horses. They both do a lot of drafts. One makes small square clinches and files them smooth reducing their stregnth much as I always do with light horses. The other makes long rectangular clinches and does not file them. The later farrier feels that the long clinch has more surface area and will bend away easier if a shoe is stepped on than a small square clinch. The former feels that the filed small square clinch is the way to go to avoid hoofwall damage if a shoe is pulled off.
: : : I am curious about what type of clinch those on the board who do drafts are using and why.
: : : TIA
: : : Art
: : : Art's Farrier Service
: : Arthur,
: : I drive my nails high and use a small square Hammer clinch. If done properly it will hold just a well as a "Bear Claw" clinch which are driven lower to start with and in hoof wall that is more unstable. The placement of the nail has more to do with holding power than does the size of the clinch. The smaller clinch will do less damage to the hoof and fetlock areas. A clip that is properly done will also help hold the shoe. I rarely have problems with lost shoes. I use this on Welsh ponies all the way up to drafts.
: : Jim R.
: Can you claify how a smaller clinch, which I do agree with, will do less damage to the fetlock???
: Derin
Derin,
I'm referring to cuts and lacerations due to long protruding clinches ("Bear Claw" clinches, helps with tree climbing) on the medial side of the hoof wall. The clinches I make are set into the hoof wall and flush with the wall.
Jim R.