Hoofjack

[Ronald Aalders]

I have a European Champion western riding in my book that just turned 25. With increasing age his range of movement decreases. Up to a point where he really is a pain to shoe. I feel a hoofstand/cradle will help him and I want to try it.

The one I like is the hoofjack deal, you know the one with the green plastic base and the cradle. But what size do I need for cases like these? I think I need a mini size, but I'd like to be sure before ordering.

Anyone with experience around that can help me decide?


Ronald Aalders

[THamilton]

The mini size is too small. Just get the regular sized HoofJack and leave the cradle as low as it will go. I RARELY raise it up. You will find that it takes alittle to get used to at first, for you and the horse. But after you have used it for a few head you will like it!

When nailing if yo do not already ahve one, buy a pair of nail nippers and use the magnets to hold it for each nail. It will help you to become more efficent with the HoofJack.

I use the HoofJack for 99% of the horses I do. While some may say that is not "traditional' I reply, "Maybenot but I am not as stiff and sore at the end of each day!"

Good luck!
Tony

[Mark_Gough]

Hello Ron. I've used the 'regular' sized hoof jack for awhile now and found it to be a useful tool.

I have a few horses that present the same problem you've described.

The regular size hoofjack, with cradle, will lower to 14" (~36 cm).

The mini hoofjack provides a height range of 8" to 12" and I believe will be more suitable in cases as you've described.

While I have not made the purchase yet it has been on my mind to do so. I'll order one this week and evaluate suitability. If you want to wait, I'll share my own experience with the shorter hoofjack to assist in your decision.

Best Regards,

Mark

[Gary_Miller]

Ron

The regular size hoof jack is all you need. I use my on every horse I shoe or trim. I have used it on mini's as well as draft size horses with no problems.

[Norman E. Foley]

I'll vote for standard size also. I do everything from mini's to big draft horses with mine. After a serious knee injury, the hoof jack kept me shoeing.

[jseyffer]

The cradle and the post from the standard size will fit in the mini base. The mini cradle is smaller than the standard cradle with a shorter shaft. Same with the post. I have both and besides minis, I will use the mini base and standard post with a few very stiff/old/arthritic horses, especially if they are smaller critters. I have not yet needed the mini base with horse sized critters. I love my HoofJacks.

[bumfoot SHOER]

I have a European Champion western riding in my book that just turned 25. With increasing age his range of movement decreases. Up to a point where he really is a pain to shoe. I feel a hoofstand/cradle will help him and I want to try it.

The one I like is the hoofjack deal, you know the one with the green plastic base and the cradle. But what size do I need for cases like these? I think I need a mini size, but I'd like to be sure before ordering.

Anyone with experience around that can help me decide?


Ronald Aalders ronald Aalders i have both the reg hoofjack & the mini i use themini jack on myclints horses that have short range movement and it helps them and me at the same time it beets useing the end of your boot.

[Ronald Aalders]

Thanks a lot guys. I've been known to shoe one or two of the sore ones with their toes on a brick. The good ones understand what you're trying to do that way, but others will move.

I was hoping the hoofjack because of the cradle would hold the foot better as I'm sure it will and not encourage the moving around as much as just a brick will.

Another side is that I'm getting to understand those older and stiffer horses better and better. You wonder how come huh? :D

And as I don't have the intention of becoming a traditional shoer, as long as I get done what I want to get done under a horse, after getting used to it the hoofjack may be a help on more horses.

I would seem to me that the 14"/36cm minimum height of the regular hoofjack is ok for starters. If I choose the mini, it may interfere with my getting used to the hoofjack on regular horses as well :rolleyes: And if needed I can buy that one as an extra.

Thanks guys!


Ronald Aalders

[THamilton]

You will end up buying two I fear my friend! That way yo never have to change the post and cradle each time you use it. I have three. Two in my trailer and one in Alaska. I have a solid post for finishing the feet on hte Drafts up there.

Ron, if the horse moves, yo will better be able to control it in the cradle. You can use your arm pit and push down, your hand on the back of the foot, your leg/knee as a brace... there are other things that you can do to. These might help you to get started.

Check out Jeffersequine.com Last I checked they were cheaper that you could order them from kevin at Hoof Jack. Don not know how but...

Tony

[Chris Rusmisel]

the standard hoofjack is the ticket. I use it on 99% on the horses I work on. I would suggest buying two though. It is a real pain to switch back and forth from post to cradle.

[PerformanceHorseshoeing]

I use mine on every horse I touch. I use the cradle on hinds that I shoe but not the ones I just trim. After watching Phils video I quit using the cradle for just trimming the hinds, I just put the post in and set the hind foot on that.

[Ronald Aalders]

I ordered two, both the regular and the mini....

Thanks guys.



Ronald Aalders

[Brown Bear]

Hoofjack
All I can say is back saver best hoof stand out there.:)
Mark Carlone

[Bradley-1stChoice]

Hi Ronald

Words of caution, as you have always stood to trim or shoe,
with the foot on your knees/lap.
With the cradle you may tend to just bend over,
keeping your legs straighter that usual.
If you do that you will start to experience a sore back
almost as if you were a newbie.

I know you didn’t ask, but that thought crossed my mind
So I thought to mention it.

I know you will enjoy using the cradle/hoof-jack.

[Gary Hill]

I should have posted these photos before you ordered your hoofjacks. The only problem I have with the hoofjacks is that the base is too large when a horse blows up and it is hard to get it out of your way. My stands get shoved out of the way and are just easier for me to use. Good Luck with yours. The little one works really nice on old horses and ponies. The small one is only 13 inches high.

[Rick Burten]

Gary,

I used to use a foot stand much like yours. Eventually I got tired of carrying all that iron around and also getting smacked in the leg by it if I didn't move quickly enough when the horse blew up.

Getting used to the HoofJack took me a bit of time, but once I did, I never looked back. And, neither the horse nor I really get hurt if the base hits us on the leg. :)

[Gary Hill]

Rick it is very light weight and also donesn't take up so much room in my rig. Each to his own, :D