11/07/2025
🔥“Doesn't it hurt when you burn the shoe on?”🔥
- Hot fitting is a skilled technique where a hot horseshoe is briefly applied to the hoof.
- The hoof naturally insulates against the heat for a short amount of time.
- A farrier's understanding of anatomy allows them to gauge how much protection the hoof has and how much heat is safe to apply.
Here's why farriers “burn on” horseshoes:
🔥Perfect fit
- The heat from the shoe slightly chars the very outer layer of the hoof wall allowing the farrier to make precise adjustments, reveal minor imbalances or pressure points
- Creates a flat foot and flat shoe without any gaps
🔥Easier on your farrier's joints
- When hot, mild steel is easier to shape meaning less concussion when hammering
🔥Gives more flexibility to modify horseshoes
- Allows easier alterations e.g. widening or removing areas of pressure with the hammer
🔥Seals and sterilises
- Prevents bacteria or excessive moisture from seeping in
❄️Shoeing cold is just as effective and may be used for several reasons:
- Farrier preference
- Material of horseshoe e.g. Aluminium
- It suits the horse: either the horse doesn't like the smoke and/or sound, or it may have sensitive hooves
- Safety - avoiding fire hazards e.g. shoeing in a stable
🪣Always have a full bucket of clean water ready for your farrier!
🐴Acclimatise young/inexperienced horses to the smell and sound of burning on horseshoes, introducing them to it slowly, with friends and praise
🔥“I can smell burning”🔥
Are you even a real farrier unless you've caused mayhem in the shop you popped into pick up essentials on the way home 🤭
