For decades, farriers have employed acrylic and polyurethane adhesives for repairing and rebuilding equine feet. As the popularity grew for these, adhesives became another trusted tool in the farrier’s arsenal.

While adhesives have found their spot aboard farrier rigs and in shops, there are farriers who have yet to use them. Some of these farriers don’t come across enough cases that call for adhesives. Others don’t have a clientele who can or are willing to absorb the cost of the materials in their shoeing bills.

Despite the acceptance of adhesives across most of the industry, some simply haven’t bought into these solutions. For that third group, there are reasons, such as lacking a proper introduction to adhesives and hoof reconstruction. Or these farriers never learned correct application, so in cases where glues fail or lost shoes, it is easier to blame the tool rather than the workman.

For farriers who haven’t used adhesives, or those who need help with the acrylics or polyurethanes that they already use, here are some tips for better practice from three farriers who use these tools frequently, if not every day.

Bob Smith runs the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif. He is able to introduce his students to these adhesives by working with many rescue horses of all ages in dire need of therapeutic footcare.

Be Informed. Don’t utilize the tool as a solution for every tough case.

“It is important to know when the application is appropriate,” says Smith.

“Knowing what…