Pulling and correctly using clips are essential skills for the modern farrier who wishes to be among the best. Unfortunately, there are a lot of clips applied to feet in a manner that is not only incorrect, but that has the potential harm to the horse.

The intent of this article is to touch on when and why I use clips. In previous years, I have done a couple of articles on how to pull and properly fit clips, so I will keep technique to a minimum. However it is still important to spend a lot of time practicing your clipping skills, so that you can use them whenever and however needed.

There was a time that I hated clipping with a passion. I saw it only as a means of ruining a good shoe. I would go to a contest, make the first shoe in a class and place it on top of the forge. I would make the second and third shoe, and each would go on top of the forge.

My wife, Kelly, would say, “You had better clip those shoes.” I would try to ignore her. At the last moment, I would throw my shoes in the fire and proceed with ruining them by clipping.

I have since learned how to pull a clip without murdering the shoe. It took a lot of practice doing something that I did not like to do, but I am glad that I did it. A lot of skills that…