Learn the equestrian sport of polo

Farrier Horseshoeing

Description

The performance and temperament of a polo pony is affected by the care of their hooves.

A Farrier is a blacksmith who shoes horses.

Farriery is the art of horseshoeing.

Farriery is a physically demanding profession. It consists in the attachment of a shoe (a rim of iron), by means of nails, to the lower border of a polo pony's hoof, in order to prevent excessive wear and improve performance.

Many Farriers have a professional level of National Certification such as AFA, BWFA, and GPF.

Farrier Equipment

  • Steel toed shoes
  • Apron
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection
  • Driving Hammer
  • Rounding hammer
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Shoe puller
  • Shoe Stamp
  • Pritchels
  • Nippers
  • Rasps with handles
  • Pull offs
  • Creaser
  • Clinchers
  • Clinch block
  • Clinch cutter

Healthy Hooves

A healthy hoof includes:

  • hard, solid soles
  • soft, flexible frog bands
  • a triangular center
  • outer hoof wall at least double the width of white line
  • white line should bond with no deep cracks between the connecting sole

Problem Hooves

Thrush is a Frog eating bacteria which can cause bleeding, soreness, or even death if not attended to properly • Thrush is treated by practicing good hoof hygiene
Extremely wet or dry conditions produces weak cracking of outside wall • brittle foot cracking is repaired with a water-based hoof dressing

• soft feet are improved with hoof hardening conditioners
Sole bruising often results from constant, use of horses on hard surfaces • turn-out and rest are the only cure
Limb interference results from unbalanced riding, lack of shoeing and trimming, or fatigue • protective wraps and boots, conditioning of pony, and Farrier work

When to Call the Farrier

All polo ponies, whether shod or not, should have a Farrier visit on a regular schedule. Most Farriers recommend anywhere from 4-6 weeks for polo ponies that are playing in season. Most healthy polo ponies can go barefoot if they are in a controlled environment.

Nutrition and exercise have a direct affect on the growth of a polo pony's hooves.

  • the external wall should be hard and have a shine that repels the weather and the elements
  • the sole should be hard as well as arched. A flat sole will bruise easily and require protection.
  • the frog and bulbs must have elasticity

A polo pony's feet should be cleaned and examined during regular grooming to detect common nail punctures, wounds or infections.

Shoes may be reset two or three times before they wear out. Shoeing and trimming is best left to the experienced hand of a knowledgeable Farrier.