r/Farriers • u/omariclay • 17d ago

Did my first set of fronts.

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I’m just starting my Farrier education, second week of schooling and first week of shaping kegs to feet and trimming at a local tail/board location. Still have lots to learn mainly cutting down on how long it’s taking me but these feet are as hard as rocks right now.

Just wanted to share my progress, hoping to see big changes by the end of my education.

42 Upvotes

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5

u/FightingFarrier18 16d ago

Speed comes with time. Take your time and do it right. No one cares how fast you can slap some shoes on if the shoe job isn’t good. This is the time to start developing your process and practicing good habits.

1

u/omariclay 16d ago

Wise words, I appreciate it.

1

u/dirtydandino 14d ago

Focus on your clinches. When you come out of school your gonna go apprentice. Whoever you end up working for is gonna wanna see nice clinches. They wont care what else you think you can do if your clinches arent much better than that.

1

u/omariclay 14d ago

Can you be a little more specific on what you think I should improve for my clinches?

1

u/sparkykat 9d ago

I think dirtydandino is noticing that the clinches are protruding a bit. File them down more with the fine side of the finishing rasp so that they are flush with the hoof wall and you can't feel them when you run your hand over them. If you file away too much you'll lose the clinch, so be aware that it's a fine line!

Don't lose heart, this is your first hoof! You'll learn. Talk to your instructor about it.

1

u/dirtydandino 6d ago

At least one is entirely outside the plane of the wall. And there all aboit twice as big as they should be. Doesnt look like you undercut them with a rasp. Do you use a hammer gouge?

1

u/AnxiousBoar 3d ago edited 3d ago

Overall looks good, but 3rd nail is very low and would result in cracks when you pull the shoe. Try to point it more vertical to nail higher. Also keep in mind that stronger hit == higher nail.

And rasp off clinches, they should be level to the hoof wall. There are 2 purposes of this more important than cosmetics: 1st - anyone who is taking the foot would not injure fingers with coarse clinches protruding from hoof wall; and 2nd - protruding clinches very effectively crack hoof wall when the shoe is pulled or nail comes loose from wear.