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Finally saw good results from not using a hoof stand on every trim
I trimmed a draft horse yesterday without my usual stand, and his feet looked better than ever. Most farriers swear by hoof stands for control, but I think they can make some horses brace too much. This big guy always fights the stand, so I tried working freehand. His posture relaxed and I could feel the angles better. It's a small win that has me questioning if we rely on tools too much. For stockier breeds, going stand-free might save time and stress. I'm not throwing out my stand, but I'll pick my battles now.
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the_kelly7mo ago
My friend Jake, who runs a stable in Oregon, had a Percheron that would always lean hard on the hoof stand. He tried trimming without it last fall, and the horse's feet turned out more even because it wasn't bracing. It's like what @shane_foster said about stability, but for some big guys, the stand just gets in the way. Jake saved almost twenty minutes on that trim by going freehand.
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shane_foster7mo ago
Is skipping the hoof stand really that big of a deal? Those stands are standard for keeping things steady and safe. One time without it might not mean much in the long run.
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