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Hoof Stand: Secure Support for the Hoof During Shoeing and Rasping

A sturdy hoof stand takes strain off your back and helps your horse stand calmly while the hoof is worked on. Here you will find stands for farrier and yard.

Hoof Stand: relief for horse and human

A hoof stand is a rest on which the horse places its hoof while it is being worked on. The farrier or trimmer does not have to hold the hoof between their knees the whole time, and the horse can distribute its weight more evenly. Older horses, horses with stiff joints or restless horses in particular often stand more relaxed this way. Even if you rasp small edges yourself after agreeing this with the farrier, the stand is a great help.

Front and hind hooves

A good hoof stand has two functions: a top rest on which the front hoof is placed forwards so that the toe and bearing edge can be rasped from above, and a cradle into which the hoof is laid from below. 2-in-1 models combine both and are suitable for front and hind hooves. Height-adjustable stands can be adapted to a pony, warmblood or draught horse. A three-legged base stays stable even on uneven ground.

What to look out for

A secure footing and a rest that does not slip are what matter. Rubber-coated surfaces are kind to the hoof and the shoe. Get your horse used to the stand calmly and only place the hoof on it briefly at first. Take care not to pull the leg too far out or too high, so that the horse's joints and back are not strained unnecessarily.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth having your own hoof stand as a horse owner?
If your horse finds it difficult to stand on three legs for long, or you regularly rasp yourself, a stand of your own makes things much easier. Many farriers bring their own. For a shared yard, a communal stand is well worth it.

What height should a hoof stand be?
The height depends on the size of the horse. The leg should rest at a natural angle without the horse having to twist. A height-adjustable stand adapts to different horses.

My horse keeps pulling its leg away. What can I do?
First practise just resting the leg briefly without any work being done, and praise calm standing. Keep the leg low and close to the body. If your horse keeps pulling away, pain may be behind it, so it is worth having your vet take a look.

A stable footing for all hoof work

Standing on three legs for a long time is tiring for many horses, especially older horses or those with stiff joints. A hoof stand takes some of that load off, because the hoof rests securely while the farrier or trimmer works. Models with a top rest and a cradle can be used for front and hind hooves: to rasp the toe you place the hoof forwards, and to work on the sole you lay it in from below. A height-adjustable, three-legged farrier's stand adapts to different horse sizes and stands securely even on an uneven stable floor. Rubber-coated rests protect hoof and shoe. Get your horse used to the stand slowly and hold the leg at a natural angle. That way hoof work becomes calmer for everyone involved, and the back of the farrier or owner is noticeably spared.