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Essential Farrier Tools

I think everybody’s list of essential farrier tools would be different. Some people will swear they can’t live without a certain piece of kit, whilst the next person might not be able to remember the last time they ever used it. For example, me with a buffer or a clenching up block. I can’t remember the last time I used either of these things. They still come to work with me, but they’re hiding in the back of a draw crying somewhere.

However, let’s start with the very basics. Before you even get out of the truck, do you have: Coffee. Ibuprofen. Tweezers and a pin (for metal splinters). Microporous tape (for incidents with sharp knives and tired hands... or new rasps). And most importantly, if you can conjure one up, a smile. That one’s hard.

Iodine, cotton wool and duct tape will also serve you well.

Chapettes The newest addition to my essential kit list is my Silverback chapettes. I have to admit that I was dubious as to how different these would be from the Silverback originals. After a good trial, I’ve got to say I’m really impressed. The knife pockets aren’t in the way and the legs wrap around to provide much more protection and coverage without feeling bulky or heavy. Jason actually prefers them too but I don’t think he’s going to want me broadcasting about how he prefers to wear women’s clothes. Pocket Fillers Now we’ve got the chaps on, fill those pockets! I’ve never got on with a loop knife but I’m fairly sure it’s more the user than tool at fault. I love a dropped curved blade both left and right. I keep my abscess knife in my chaps too, I use it quite a lot especially in winter on shelly feet or seedy toe and it’s a pain having to walk back to the car to get it. I have one knife I like to use just for cutting clips and undercutting nails. (Probably have a few people cringing at the thought of undercutting nails with a knife). Then suddenly I’ve run out of space and I’m squishing two knives into one pocket. I think I’m a bit of a hoarder. And, of course, an undercutter for those that love their knives too much to use them to dig holes under nails.   Proper Knife Care To keep your knives in top form, you’ll want a knife sharper, and polishing wheel with soap! Treat yourself and keep ‘em sharp! I keep both in the forge at home and another set in the work canopy so I can keep rasps and knives sharp at work too.

The Swiss Army Knife Of Essential Farrier Tools

These next ones are my die hard Mustad favourites. They might not be the most expensive tool in the box, but they are the piece of kit I’d be absolutely lost without! My Mustad pull-offs. I personally think these things need rebranding as the Swiss army knife of the farriers tool box.

I’m fairly sure if you had to... you’d be able to shoe a whole horse with just a box of nails, pull offs and prayer.

Nobody knows how it happens but a lot of my tools and stock will disappear overnight out of my canopy and end up in Jason’s van without a word, until you get to a job and your kit just isn’t there! A mystery.

So, I would not recommended this but sometimes, you’ve got to be versatile! Amen for the swiss army knife pull offs. 

My pull offs have been a hammer. To shape a shoe, for spreading a shoe at the horse, or to fix an odd nail or two in a shoe. No clenching tongs, no problem. Nailing hammer and your pull offs for a bit of hammer clenching. On a wet soggy day I think you could be pushed to use them as cutters too.

I do have nail pullers but I’m usually reaching for my pull offs first. Same goes with the clenching block and nail cutters. 3 less tools to lug around!

Hoof Testers As much as I love my pull offs, I’d feel like a barbarian using my pull offs as hoof testers on a lame horse. Get some proper hoof testers, you’ll look a lot more professional too! They’re far more accurate and a lot less damaging with the specialised rounded testing jaws.   One Of The Most Used Essential Farrier Tools When it comes to rasps, it has to be a Heller eXcel legend. The thought of using anything else makes me baulk. This rasp is probably the one thing I’d get fairly snobby about using. Good finishing side makes your job instantly look better and a wide blade helps keep you in check for dipping quarters and rolled heels.

Essential Farrier Tools For Fitting

Make life easier with a good pair of properly fitting tongs, your wrists will be grateful. I keep 8mm and 10mm in the car, if I’ve needed bigger or smaller it hasn’t taken much to adjust them on the job in the fire. Light weight with slim reins and a strong jaw – wouldn’t use anything else.

You’ll also want a Mustad Driving Hammer and a 2lb turning hammer to fit with.

A Nipper For Any Need I find the slimmer reins of the GE 14” racetrack nippers easier to use one handed and it’s not an effort through bigger feet. I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem with my little TB cutters on big shire horse feet or Suffolk punches, so don’t let that put you off if you’ve got smaller hands. I never used to carry half round nippers in England, I did carry a toeing knife, but I’d never use a toeing knife here with the smaller feet. In summer my half round nippers have because a life saver for being able to remove tough hard build up sole and bars when a knife just slips straight off. I  mainly hot shoe so I don’t use them to cut clips in but I will do if I’m cold shoeing, Particularly on side clipped hinds. Flip the opposite side shoe over and place the ground surface on the hoof, mark where your clips will go and nip each one to give you an accurate guide, so you don’t have two hoof wall resections for clip holes.

Essential Farrier Tools For Working With Race Horses

I don’t really do many racehorses but being able to work your way around a stalljack makes cold shoeing (especially in summer with a fire ban) so much easier. Great for ponies, ally shoes or needing to beat the clock on a naughty one.

GE curve jaw clenchers are also incredibly useful and these have lasted me a very long time. I used to carry some Mustad clenchers and I did really like them for smaller feet, they fold the nail over beautifully but I prefer the curve jaw for higher nails.

Overall, it’s going to take time to build up your own essential farrier tools list with the kit that you love. Try everything, see what works for you. Borrow your mate’s stuff and see what that’s like before spending your own money! But do treat yourself, after all you’re probably going to be spending more time with your pull offs than you do with your partner. So, make sure they’re nice!