help with mules feet

[riverview farrier]

Does anybody have any experience with triming and shoeing mules.I have a new barn that has a few mules and I would like to be able to service the mules also. Maybe there is no difference. Just a bit of direction would help.

Thanks Rob

[Dave Purves]

Just "read" the foot, I'm sure you know that a mules foot is straight through the quarters and heel, they also stand a little more straight up and down so don't try to trim the heels back to the widest part of the frog. Most of the time in the mules I trim at least 1/4 inch of the frog is behing the heels. Just read the foot as you trim and you'll be fine.
good luck
Dave Purves CF :)

[John Barney]

Good advice from Dave. Also take into condideration what they are used for. here in MO. alot are for pulling and heel and toe shoes are requested. Look at a picture of mule shoes and it will give you a idea. As Dave said they are more upright, but also straight hoofwall through the quarters. Your first thought might be contracted heels but that's not the case. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine.

JB

[riverview farrier]

Thanks for all the advise and the vote of confidense. My appointment with the mules is on Thursday I ll let you know how it goes.

[riverview farrier]

I did the mules today no trouble except he wanted to lay down on me when I did his back feet. His front feet had medial crushed heels do to the laterial side beingso long way out of balance , so I Remove most of the problem on the laterial side and looks better. I recomended shoe to support the crushed heels owner does not want shoe till we see how trim every 4 weeks goes.

[mojoman77]

i have been wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what is a typical angle on a mule. now obviously they are all diff. but is there a basic rate at which most would go. maybe a better way to put it is, what would be considered a perfect mule foot. toe length, and degrees.

i know this is not a cut and dry answer and nor do i expect one but i guess some simple numbered guide lines is what i am looking for.

thanks for any input
david

[calshoer]

There isn't any typical angle on a mule . Some have a more "horse" foot and some a more "donkey" foot.
Pare the loose chalky material from the sole then just follow the plane of the waxy cleaned sole.
Do expect more frog to stick out behind the heels of the foot than on a horse.
Patty .

[mojoman77]

thankyou for your reply