Tried a different nail pattern on a tricky hoof and it worked way better

Been shoeing this one draft cross for a while now and she always cracks near the toe. Last week I switched from the standard 5 nail pattern to a 7 nail pattern spreading them wider around the quarters. I also dropped the nail clinches a bit lower than normal. The shoe held way tighter and the farrier vet came by and said the crack isn't spreading anymore. Has anyone else had luck changing up nail patterns for stress cracks in big horses?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_brian9d ago

Wait, you went from 5 nails to 7 on a draft cross? That's WAY more nails than I'd ever think to try on a hoof that size. I always figured too many holes would just weaken the wall even more on a heavy horse. Did you notice any issue with nail placement getting too close together or the hoof wall just holding up fine with all those extra holes?

williamd708d ago

You're really worried about a couple extra nail holes? I've seen draft crosses with hooves like iron that barely notice 7 nails, and I've seen Thoroughbreds shatter with 5. Honestly, I think the hoof quality and the farrier's skill matter WAY more than the exact number of holes you're punching in there.