Chris Comtois Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I figure there's a few folks on here who know a bit (or more!) about farrier work. I have a bunch of used horseshoes given to me by a friend. I'd like to make her a few things in appreciation for all the free stock! She has horses (obviously) and I thought a hoof pick from a horseshoe might be kind of neat. I've seen several demos online, and looked at a bunch of pics for design ideas. Something that seems to vary is the point on the pick. Some appear to be very dull and rounded, some look like they could puncture a car tire, some are wide and flat while some are round like knitting needles. To the folks that have/work with horses, what is your preferred style of point on a hoof pic? I would think the needle sharp ones might hurt the horse, but the only thing I know about horses is how to fall off them (seriously, I've managed to fall off EVERY SINGLE TIME I've ridden on one). Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubalcain2 Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 you don't want a real sharp tip. maybe draw it out to 1/8 inch or so at the tip. square or flat is better than round. this is a good all-around design. make sure the throat is not to narrow, and it is comfortable to hold in all positions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 May I suggest you ask the intended recipient what *they* prefer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I asked my horse if he wanted a hoof pick. He just said, "Neigh." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I've made a few and taper the business end down to about 1/8" D on the end, and I make the end hemispherical. If the horse should move suddenly, the is little chance of cutting, scraping of gouging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotshoein4 (Mark) Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 A little thicker than a flathead screwdriver, same shape. I always dull the corners for horse people so they don't bleed them. Yes that'll happen. For a professional, I keep the corners fairly sharp. They know feet better. Horseshoes work ok for picks, but I find them not wide enough to fit hands. Hard to see the shape of the tip, but you can kind of see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles R. Stevens Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 With a 1/8-3/16" blunt end, edges broken if the horse owches one might consider copper fixing the comisures. Healthy soles and frogs take impacts on rocks and sticks in stride if the blunt end of a pick causes a horse discomfort their is likely a problem. The tip is acualy worn to this shape after a decade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimberBull Posted March 1, 2018 Share Posted March 1, 2018 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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