Posted by Phil Armitage on December 28, 2003 at 22:08:27:
In Reply to: Rasping face of hoof wall posted by Toni LaRose on December 28, 2003 at 12:42:09:
: I have a farrier who wants to file the entire face of the outside hoof wall. Is this a common practice? Is it safe for the protection of the hoof itself?
I don't think it does any harm, but if you don't want him to do it just tell him. The most important thing is to remove flares. Some farriers like to remove flares and also do a nice finish job by smoothing the entire hoof capsule, becuase that is what people see when the job is done and it impresses alot of people. Removeing the flares is more than cosmetic, it aids in maintaining or restoring balance of the hoof capsule. The practicle thing to do is only rasp the lower third of the hoof wall and apply a hoof sealant to it. If there are no flares then leave it is best to leave it alone, some rasping over the area of the nails can't be avoided.
Phil