Q. As spring and summer weather turns warmer, what’s your preferred way to store shoeing glues? What specific steps do you take to ensure that glue consistency and effectiveness won’t be compromised? Does the size of the glue container need to be taken into consideration?

A: Although I try to limit the use of adhesives as much as possible, whether it’s to rebuild a damaged hoof wall in preparation for nailing on a shoe or gluing on shoes, it often becomes necessary. This is especially true toward the end of a long summer with alternating periods of wet and dry conditions, which can take a toll on even the healthiest hooves.

My adhesive of choice is Grand Circuit in both tan and black. Because I try to limit the use of the material, I’ll buy it in the 150-milliliter size. I always carry at least one cartridge in my shoeing rig.

Regardless of the season, I carry a small, soft cooler with a firm plastic liner for water and beverages, and will store adhesive cartridges in the zippered storage pocket in the front, separate from the main compartment. At the end of the day, the cooler is emptied, except for the adhesive, and is stored in a small refrigerator. Whenever the cartridge is in the cooler or stored separately, it’s always placed horizontal.

I rarely keep a cartridge for more than 6 to 8 months without using it. By maintaining it, I have yet to have the material deteriorate. I…