Hoof Care Tools

Shop professional-grade hoof care tools at Equine Care, from clinchers and pullers to clinch cutters and hoof testers. Each tool is built for a specific job in daily hoof trimming, shoeing, and shoe removal.

Forged from chrome vanadium steel with comfortable handles, these farrier tools hold up to repeated force in the barn and the field, so you can build a reliable kit one tool at a time.

Hoof Care Tools for Horses, Farriers, and Livestock Owners

Hoof care tools do the everyday work of keeping a horse sound: clinching nails, pulling shoes, opening clinches, and checking for sore spots. The right tool is the one that fits the job in front of you and holds up to daily use in the barn and the field.

Our collection covers professional-grade farrier hand tools, from clinchers and nail pullers to horseshoe pullers, clinch cutters, and hoof testers, forged from chrome vanadium steel for strength and a long working life.

What You Will Find in This Collection

Clinchers

Clinchers bend and seat the sharp nail ends flat against the hoof wall after a shoe is nailed on, so nothing snags and the shoe stays secure. We carry both band-jaw and alligator-style clinchers for right- and left-handed use.

Nail and Shoe Pullers

Pullers remove bent or broken nails and lift worn shoes without tearing the hoof wall. Long handles give the leverage you need, while precise jaws grip close to the hoof for clean removal.

Clinch Cutters and Buffers

A clinch cutter opens the seated clinches before you pull a shoe, and the buffer end cleans up the hoof wall, the first step in a safe, damage-free shoe removal.

Hoof Testers

Hoof testers apply controlled pressure across the sole and wall to help locate tender or sensitive areas, a diagnostic step farriers and vets rely on before trimming or shoeing.

Explore Our Range of Hoof Care Tools

Each tool in this collection is built for a specific job, so start with the one that matches your work:

  • Curved Jaw Clincher with Grip: A band-jaw clincher with a comfortable, non-slip grip for seating nail ends flat against the hoof wall after a shoe is nailed on. The curved jaw follows the hoof profile so the clinch sits clean and the shoe holds tight through daily work.
  • Alligator Hoof Nail Clincher: An alligator-style clincher that closes fast for quick, controlled clinching on either side of the hoof. Its compact jaw reaches tighter spots and works the same for right- and left-handed farriers.
  • 12-Inch Hoof Nail Puller: Chrome vanadium jaws that grip close to the hoof wall and lift bent or broken nails cleanly, without splitting the wall. The 12-inch handles give leverage while keeping control on smaller feet.
  • 14-Inch Farrier Pliers: A horseshoe puller and shoe spreader in one, with 14 inches of reach for pulling stubborn shoes and easing them off the foot. A practical all-round tool when you do not want to carry a separate spreader.
  • 14-Inch Horseshoe Puller: A heavy-duty puller built to lift worn and clinched shoes on the toughest jobs. The long handles and forged jaws handle worn shoes and thick walls without straining your grip.
  • Clinch Cutter and Hoof Buffer: Opens the seated clinches with the cutter end and cleans the hoof wall with the buffer end, the safe first step before pulling a shoe. Two functions in one tool keeps your shoe-removal kit lighter.
  • 13-Inch Hoof Tester: Applies controlled, even pressure across the sole and wall to locate sore or sensitive areas before trimming or shoeing. A key diagnostic tool for farriers and vets when checking a horse for tender spots.

How to Choose the Right Hoof Care Tool

Start with the task. For shoeing, you need a clincher to finish the nails and, later, a clinch cutter and puller to remove the shoe. For lameness checks, a hoof tester is the key tool. Match the handle length and jaw type to your hand size and the horses you work on, and build your kit one reliable tool at a time.

Looking for cutting tools too? Browse our hoof nippers and hoof knives collections to complete your trimming and shoeing setup.

Key Features to Consider

Material and Build

Chrome vanadium steel resists bending and wear under repeated force, which is exactly what clinching, pulling, and cutting demand. A forged, one-piece build at the joint keeps the jaws aligned over years of use.

Grip and Comfort

Long, comfortable handles give leverage and reduce hand fatigue during a full day of shoeing. Look for a secure grip that stays controlled even when your hands are dirty or sweaty.

Jaw Precision

Clean, well-aligned jaws grip nails and shoes close to the hoof, so you remove them without tearing the hoof wall or leaving nail stubs behind.

Care and Maintenance

Wipe your tools down after each use to remove hoof debris and moisture, and store them dry to keep the steel in good condition. A light oil on the joint keeps the jaws moving smoothly. With basic care, professional-grade farrier hand tools last for many years of daily work.

Why Farriers Trust Equine Care Hoof Care Tools

Every tool in this collection is professional-grade, chosen for the demands of real hoof work, from trimming and shoeing to shoe removal and lameness checks. We focus on chrome vanadium steel, precise jaws, and comfortable handles so your kit performs the same on day one and year five. Equine Care ships free across the USA with 30-day returns, so you can build your farrier toolset with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hoof clincher?

A hoof clincher is a farrier tool that bends and seats the sharp ends of the horseshoe nails flat against the hoof wall after the shoe is nailed on. This locks the shoe in place and removes any sharp edges. We carry a curved jaw clincher and an alligator clincher for right- and left-handed use.

How do you tell if your horse has sore feet?

Signs of sore feet include a shortened stride, reluctance to move on hard ground, heat in the hoof, or a stronger digital pulse. Farriers and vets confirm the source with a hoof tester, which applies pressure across the sole and wall to pinpoint the tender area.

What tools does a farrier need?

A basic farrier kit includes hoof nippers and a rasp for trimming, a clincher to finish the shoe nails, a clinch cutter and shoe puller to remove old shoes, and a hoof tester to check for sore spots. Start with the tasks you do most and build your kit from there.

What tools do you need to remove a horseshoe?

To remove a horseshoe you need a clinch cutter to open the clinches, then a shoe puller or farrier pliers to lift the shoe and draw any remaining nails. Working in that order protects the hoof wall from damage.

How often should horse hooves be trimmed?

Most horses need their hooves trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, though the interval varies with growth rate, workload, season, and terrain. Farriers often shorten it to 4 to 6 weeks for horses in heavy work or with hoof concerns.

Can these hoof trimming tools be used on cattle, goats, and sheep?

Yes. These hoof care tools work for horses, ponies, cattle, goats, and sheep. The same clinching, pulling, and testing tasks apply across livestock, though smaller animals may need lighter handling and smaller jaws.