An old school farrier in Kentucky told me my clinch was too high and tight, which was causing hairline cracks.

I started setting my clinch a full 1/8 inch lower and using a lighter hammer tap, and now those quarter cracks on my hunter clients have almost stopped completely, has anyone else had to adjust their clinch work for different hoof walls?

2 comments

2 Comments

fisher.kevin18d ago

That old Kentucky farrier knew his stuff. I had a similar issue with some thoroughbreds a few years back, their walls were just too brittle for a high clinch. Lowering it and going easier with the hammer made a world of difference. It's crazy how such a small change can fix those hairline cracks. Really makes you pay attention to each horse's hoof.

ray_mitchell18d ago

Ever think about how the clinch angle itself, not just the height, could stress the wall? A super upright clinch might lever against the hoof even if it's low. I've been rolling mine over a bit more and it seems to spread the pressure out better.