Morning Homestead

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The 5 Best Hoof Rasp to Keep your Horses Feet Safe & Healthy

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Knowing what to do for your horse when it has a loose shoe can be the difference in a healthy horse and one living in pain. If you find that your horse has a shoe that is only slightly loose, you can bind it with duct tape or self-adhesive until the farrier arrives.

If you find that it is really loose, you should remove it as soon as possible. If not, your horse can easily cause an injury to itself or even a rider. The horse can step on the shoe with its other hoof, which would rip the shoe off even more.

If that occurs, there could also be lingering sharp objects such as clips and nails moving around under the horse’s hoof. Horses can easily chip and break their hoof wall if the shoe for any reason rips off.

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Best Hoof Rasp

If possible, remove the loose item as soon as you notice there is an issue. That brings you to the purpose of this guide and review. The goal is to educate readers of the best hoof rasp available today. We find the five best selling items and break each one down for the consumer to make shopping a stress-free task.

It is not our goal to put these items in any particular order. This guide and review are completely unbiased without judgment.

The 5 Best Hoof Rasp Available on Amazon Today:

MaXcut 14″ Farrier Rasp, Double-Sided for Horse Hoofs (Made in the USA)

First on this list is the MaXcut 14-inch Farrier Rasp. This item is a double-sided tanged hoof rasp for the person that wants the maximum removal of material from your horse’s hoofs. One main highlight of this item is how easy it is to use and its performance.

Pros:

  • The rasp has sharp teeth that give the individual the confidence they need for cutting and filing.
  • The reduced cost per horse along with the overall expense is easy on the wallet.
  • You get double cutting per tooth when compared to competitors
  • Trims and levels hoofs quickly with less fatigue and pressure

Cons:

  • Some consumers report the quality is less than what they expected

If you like this product but need more information, click here. You will also find secure ordering with prompt shipping:

Xtreme Farrier Rasp, Square Rasp Teeth with Six Feet of Cutting Surface (Made in the USA)

Eximius means excellent in Latin. This item comes from the steel capital of the world, Pittsburgh, PA. The Xtreme Farrier Rasp advances and modernizes hoof rasp through innovative designs, advanced manufacturing, and clever performance.

This Ferrier rasp is an entirely new level of durability and sharpness for professional hoof cleaning and protection.

Pros:

  • Ideal for Wet Conditions and Soft Hooves
  • Six Feet of Rasp Cutting of the Surface
  • File and Rasp Sides Have a Smooth Feel
  • Fast and Easy Removal of Unwanted Material

Cons:

  • Consumers claim the rasp could stand to be sharper
  • Not recommended for Untrained Users

Click here to go to this products page for more details on this Eximius Rasp and get yours ordered today:

The EVO Hoof Care Radius Rasp-2 ’PRO’ barefoot hoof shaping tool, plastic ergonomic handle with Replaceable Solid Stainless-Steel Blade with Standard Rasp Teeth

Horse owners, trimmers, and farriers appreciate the EVO RR-2 Pro Barefoot Hoof Shaping Tool. This particular item does more than merely trim. It is an aggressive tool for wall rounding that creates the Arc while cutting.

The unique curve gives you the ability to rasp above the bearing surface on the wall of the hoof. That extends the horses arc upward.

Pros:

  • Stainless Steel and Solid Concave Rasp-Tooth Blade
  • Blades are Replaceable
  • Ergonomic Handle
  • Handle Has a Magnet
  • High-Quality with Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Cons:

  • Females struggle Using the Rasp
  • Pricey

Click here for more information, pictures, and to securely order yours today.

Bellota Mini

This Bellota Mini Rasp is an “Amazon Choice” product. The unique chromium steel is not only durable; it is perfect for ponies, mini horses, and foals. [1]

Pros:

  • Lasting Durability
  • Handy for all Small Breeds
  • Includes a Handle
  • 13 inches in Length

Cons:

  • Loose Handle
  • The handle is Easy to Fall Off

To find out more on this item, click here. You can also order yours today and have it arrive for the holidays.

Nicholson Farrier Rasp File, American Pattern, Rasp Cut, Rectangular, 14″ Length

Here you have the Nicholson Farrier Rasp File with an American Pattern. The file is 14 inches in length with “rasp-cut” teeth on one side to allow aggressive removal and course teeth patterns that ensure the end project is smooth.

With six teeth to each row, the rasp gives a smooth finish than the products with five teeth to each row. This file comes with a handle for comfort and durability.

Pros:

  • Rectangle with teeth on one side to ensure aggressive removal of trash and other
  • The reverse side has double-cut teeth that ensure a clean trim.
  • Single-cut teeth for smoothing on the edges
  • The Pattern is American for the removal of non-precision material.
  • There is cushion on the tip and the grip of the handle for added comfort

Cons:

  • Quality is Less than others
  • Slow Progress

You can find out more information by clicking here. There is also pictures and reviews from consumers just like you.

Protecting Your Horses Hoof

Once you have the shoe removed, you may need to add protection to the hoof. If you are not removing the shoe but leaving them off the horse to let it go barefoot, be sure to protect the horse best you can.

Protecting your horse’s hoofs may prevent splits and chips until the farrier can get to it to replace its shoe correctly. To aid with preventing injuries, try wrapping the horse’s hoof thick with self-adhesive or duct tape as mentioned above.

*Writers Tip*
If you are planning to keep the shoes off your horse(s), the animal may need having its hoofs trimmed to maintain the hoof wall and proper angles. It can be painful if the hoofs crack and split.

Keep in mind that even though it may be possible to ride your horse, it is best not to do so until the Farrier replaces the shoe. Most farriers repair horseshoes quickly which prevents extended delays of riding.

However, if you must ride and the farrier cannot get to your horse promptly, do your best to keep it on soft areas such as sand or grass. It is never very safe to let the horse walk on rocks or rough terrain. Doing so can bruise the sole and possibly damage the hoofs. That is especially true if the horse rarely walks barefoot. [2]

There is also a simple alternative for protection with a hoof boot such as this item. A boot such as this is easy to put on as well as take off after riding. You can also leave it on the horse during stall time and turn-out for added protection of the hoof. Be sure to check often to ensure the hoof boot is not flapping off or chaffing which can cause problems as well.

Tips for Hoof Chips and Cracks

Horses, over time, will develop cracks in their hoofs. Most are mild and will resolve themselves with maintenance from the farrier care and healthy nutrition. However, there is also the type of cracks that you will need to go one step further to repair.

The last thing you want to happen is new cracks developing and further damage to the horse. Cracks are a serious matter that you need to keep an eye on before it gets out of hand. As with other horse issues, first, ask yourself why your horse is having this problem?

Horses hooves develop at a slow rate (less than ½ inch) per month. Cracks take a long time to develop and grow once they start. You will find that getting a solid answer to “why” can often be frustrating, expensive, and time-consuming than trying other solutions.

Names for Hoof Chips and Cracks

Like most things, there are various names for hoof chips and cracks. They get the name from the reason and the area of their location. Other names are the following:

  • Heel Cracks
  • Quarter Cracks
  • Sand Cracks
  • Grass Cracks
  • Bar Cracks
  • Toe Cracks

FAQs:

Q: What health issues cause cracks?

A: There could be a number is concerns. However, the leading cause is more than likely nutrient deficiency or lack of the right vitamins.

Q: Do horses feel when shoes are loose?

A: Maybe not feel the shoe is actually loose, but, that it is causing discomfort or trouble walking.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why cracks happen in your horse’s hoofs. Nutritional issues are the leading culprit if the cracks are on all four feet. The walls of the hoof may be thinning or weak, slow-growing, or begin developing ridges.

If you do notice the horse continues to develop chips or cracks, consult with your vet as soon as possible. Do you have more information that could be useful for readers? If so, please leave us a message below, and we will get back with you.

While you are here reading, could you please “like and share” our work so that we can continue to help other consumers.

About Lawrence Petersen

Laurence is a staff writer for MorningHomestead.com and is a passionate gardener and farmer. He raises pigs from a farm in South East Texas.