Rasping the outer hoof wall

[starkhan]

Should horseshoers routinely rasp the top of the hoof from the shoe to the coronet band? Is there another reason other than smoothing the imperfections of the outer hoof wall on a healthy foot?

[Phil Armitage]

Not all horseshoers do this.

[starkhan]

Is there another reason than just aesthetics? Is that why some do and some don't?

[Jason Maki]

The top third of the capsule should be adhered tightly to PIII, clueing in to the shape of the hoof. I will clean the top third, then dress the hoof distal to that back to straight, leaving a straight, clean foot, and presenting a nice look. Attackibng strong horn will weaken a foot, but cleaning the foot does not weaken it.
Jason