Farrier's measuring tool and method for using

Abstract

A farrier's tool and a method of using the tool for preparing the hoof of a horse to receive a shoe. The tool is a symmetrical measuring device used for determining the position of the breakover point on a horse's hoof. After the position of the break-over point is determined, the portion of the hoofwall forward of the breakover point is beveled by means of a trimming tool to reduce leverage on the underlying coffin bone, particularly during locomotion. A horseshoe is then shaped to conform to the contour of the trimmed and beveled hoof and nailed to the hoof. The method provides means for accurately aligning the hoof capsule with the coffin bone in the hoof.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a farrier's tool and, more particularly, to a measuring tool operable for determining the break-over point of a horses hoof and to a method for preparing the hoof for shoeing. [0003] 2. Prior Art [0004] Horses need periodic shoeing to protect their hooves and prevent damage to their feet. Typically, the wear and tear on the shoe and the normal growth and expansion of the hoof requires filing, trimming and reshoeing every six to eight weeks. In accordance with the prior art, prior to installing a horseshoe, the farrier first removes the old shoe then determines the flatness and the plane of the ground-contacting portion of the hoof. The farrier then makes corrections by peeling, cutting and / or filing to shape and flatten the bottom of the hoof. The width of the hoof is then measured and the correct horseshoe selected, shaped as required, and placed against the corrected bottom of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention is directed to a a method for identifying the break-over point on a hoof and the provision of a farrier's tool operable for determining the portion of a horse hoof that must be beveled after the position of the break-over point has been identified. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention to substantially obviate one or more of the limitations of the related art as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention includes an elongate, preferably transparent, ruler having a center indicia such as, for example, a hole in the center thereof. Sequential gradations are disposed on the ruler, with gradations increasing symmetrically from zero to about 80 mm in each direction laterally from the center of the hole.

Problems solved by technology

Errors in shoeing can lead to damage to the horse's leg and foot.

The horse's feet and legs can become damaged if unnecessary strain is placed on components of the foot such as bones, tendons, ligaments and the like, which may cause the horse to go lame.

A particular problem that may result from improper horseshoeing is injury to the coffin bone in the foot arising from pressure exerted by the hard, horny overlying hoofwall away from the coffin bone.

If the forward portion of the toe (or shoe) is flat, the weight transferred thereto creates a high torque which forces the hoofwall away from the coffin bone which can result in damage thereto.

Images