FEATURES
Here are some tips I put into practice to make hot fitting easier.
Hot Shaping
- Make sure your forge and anvil are placed so you can move the shoe from the forge to the anvil without taking a step.
- Set up your rig close to where you are working on the horse, but be aware of potential fire hazards.
- Have all of your tools located within arm’s reach.
- Have a plan before you put the shoe in the forge.
- Take a measurement of the hoof, even if it is mentally.
- Just like a cold shoe, shape the toe, then the quarter and lastly the heel.
- Practice, practice, practice.
Hot Fitting
- The trim is everything. Shape the hoof and remember that shape. Take a mental measurement of the toe back to the heel.
- Leave a little extra hoof wall because you will burn a lot of hoof off.
- After shaping the shoe, take it to the foot in a black heat. Check your fit and the level of the trim.
- Go back to the anvil and make final adjustments.
- Bring the shoe up to a red heat and fit the clips.
- Give a final burn of the shoe.
- When done, pour water over the work area for safety.
Benefits Of Hot Fitting
- Less wear and tear on your body.
- Creates a better fit and cleans the environment of the hoof.
- Makes it easier to nail.
- Your arsenal is only limited by your ability.
