When I began shoeing, many farriers made many of the tools and equipment they used. Some of this resourcefulness came from a spirit of self-reliance and creativity, but many times it was really about saving money for a young shoer just getting into the business.

In those years, make-it-yourself tool-building projects were the topic of many clinic demonstrations. Farriers traded many homemade ideas for keeping tools together and up off the floor.

Less Bending

Farrier toolboxes have changed dramatically in the last 30 years. Shoeing boxes used to be built low and shallow and kept tool handles not more than 3 inches off the ground so that we had to stoop and bend over to reach every tool.

Trimming barefoot horses was even worse, as we’d lay our trimming tools on the floor or ground and do toe touches to reach for a knife, nipper and rasp. Couldn’t we see old age coming?   

Thankfully, today’s toolboxes are much taller, minimizing the farrier’s bends and range of motion. But you may find an idea or two that I’ve used that will work for you with the toolbox you recently purchased at the local farrier supply shop.

Since many shoeing tools are needed when trimming a barefoot horse, I prefer to use a separate toolbox for my hoof knives, nippers and rasps. While you can certainly buy a toolbox to fit your trimming needs, I bolted leather knife holders and tool holders and added a small ring of scrap 4-inch PVC pipe…