Hoof Rasps, Hoof Buffer and Fiber Discs
Whether barefoot, steel shoes, synthetic or composite horseshoes — whether glued, nailed, or casting — no matter what the right solution for each horse ultimately is: it all begins with the right trimming, and for that purpose, you need the right hoof rasp.
The hoof rasp is used to remove excess horn material, smooth out uneven areas, and bring the hooves into the 'correct' shape. If you plan to nail-on our horseshoes with a synthetic coating — especially in case on an un-clipped version — it is crucial that the bearing edge is rasped as flat as possible, otherwise knob arrays our shoes cannot press into the bearing edge as intended, and the shoe may twist more easily on the hoof.
While the small knob arrays provide additional protection against twisting in case of a nail-on shoe, they must be removed for a glue-on application in order to achieve an optimal fit.
When choosing the right hoof rasp, there are several factors to consider, which we will discuss in more detail below. Simply scroll to the bottom of this page.
At this point, we would also like to briefly point out a possible addition — and for some tasks even an alternative — to the traditional hoof rasp, as many hoof care professionals are now grinding instead of rasping. We are confident that fiber discs will never completely replace the hoof rasp and that the hoof rasp will always remain part of the essential equipment; nevertheless, we consider the COMBICLICK system from PFERD to be a valuable addition. For this reason, we offer this system for barefoot trimming with an angle grinder — alongside a selection of hoof rasps from Bassoli, Dick, Heller, and Save Edge — within our product range.
What Factors Determine the Choice of the Ideal Hoof Rasp?
When selecting a suitable hoof rasp, various quality features must be considered to achieve optimal results and provide the best care for the horse's hooves or prepare them for shoeing.
Sharp teeth, high-quality and durable materials are important factors to consider when choosing a hoof rasp. Depending on your needs, there are hoof rasps with coarse and fine teeth. The type of rasp determines whether it is better suited for quickly removing a large amount of horn or for more precise work with a smoother finish.
In our opinion, ergonomics and grip are also crucial when choosing the right hoof rasp. A hoof rasp should feel comfortable in the hand and have a non-slip handle to ensure safe and comfortable working. An ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue for the farrier and provides better control over the rasp.
There are many different types of hoof rasps on the market. Depending on the specific characteristics of a rasp, it may be better or worse suited for hard and dry horse hooves.
It can therefore be helpful to consider what is most important to you when purchasing your hoof rasp. For example:
- Is the durability of the hoof rasp your top priority?
- Are you looking for a hoof rasp that provides a smooth finish?
Manufacturers offer various models specifically designed for this purpose. These include the following hoof rasps: - Bassoli Shine
- Heller Pro Finish
- Save Edge Photo Finish
- Are you searching for a hoof rasp that works well during the summer months on hard and dry horse hooves? Or is it the opposite — do you need a hoof rasp that performs well in wet or very damp conditions?
- As with our horseshoes, the size of the hoof rasp also matters — not every rasp is equally well-suited for trimming the hooves of ponies or draft horses.
In practice, of course, it is always difficult to differentiate precisely. Client horses are often a mix of various breeds and hoof sizes, so it is usually necessary to find the best possible hoof rasp as a compromise for all client horses. We are often asked to recommend a rasp — a question that is not always easy to answer. However, we are happy to provide a small selection of our bestsellers — the hoof rasps most popular among our customers.
The Top 5 Hoof Rasps in Our Range
The most popular hoof rasps among our customers are:
- Heller eXcel Legend
- Heller Legend 14"
- Bassoli Costanza
- Heller Black Legend 14"
- Save Edge The Original
A small tip: Take advantage of our quantity discounts on popular hoof rasps when ordering a specific number of rasp.
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