A hoof stand holds up a horse’s feet so you don’t have to!
Using a hoof stand when trimming your horse’s feet can save you time, energy, and wear and tear on your arms, legs, and back.
How do I use a hoof stand?
Use the links below to watch hoof stand how-to videos:
Watch a video about hoof trimming using a Hoofjack hoof stand.
Download hoof stand how-to videos or request a free DVD by mail from Hoofjack.
Which hoof stand should I buy?
I use and recommend the Hoofjack hoof stand. This is a professional-quality product that is tops in ease of use, features, safety, and durability. The Hoofjack is available in miniature, medium, standard, and draft horse sizes. The medium size is a good choice for medium size farriers and medium size horses.
Where can I shop for hoof stands?
Farrier supply stores online, and many equine supply websites, carry several different models of hoof stands. Check out the links below to see different hoof stand designs, or to purchase a hoof stand.
Buy direct from the Hoofjack website
New and used hoof stands on Ebay
What are some of the features of different hoof stands?
Parts of a Hoofjack hoof stand
Materials: Commercially available hoof stands are usually made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or a combination of materials.
Adjustable height: Hoof stands may be adjustable height, or may be one piece welded construction with a fixed height.
Interchangeable hoof rests: Hoof stands may come with interchangeable hoof rests of different styles and sizes – usually a cradle and a post or peg. The cradle is used to support a hoof bottom-side-up in the ‘hoof-picking’ position. The peg is used to support a hoof pulled forward into position to trim the hoof wall from the top.
Tool holder: Many hoof stands have some provision for storing your hoof trimming tools ready to hand and up out of the dirt. Some have tube-shaped or slot-shaped tool caddys, others have strong magnets to hold your tools.
What about safety features?
Whether you choose a mass-produced or a hand-made hoof stand – a design with these features will be safer for you and for your horse:
- no exposed sharp metal edges or rod ends
- no gaps that a horse could put a leg through
- fewer knobs and brackets that might catch a leg or leadrope
- a broad, stable base that you can stand on
How much does a hoof stand cost?
Hoof stands are available in low, medium, and higher price ranges, depending on features and quality of construction.
($50-$70) The simplest and least expensive hoof stands are welded steel tripods with a peg top.
($70-$150) Hoof stands in this price range are all metal, with disk bases. At the higher end of the range, you’ll get adjustable height, interchangeable hoof rests, and magnets or caddys to hold your tools.
($150-200) The plastic bases in this price range are especially broad and stable, and make for a safer hoof stand that is less likely to hurt you and your horse when your horse spooks and sends everything and everyone flying off in all directions!
Is there a cheaper alternative?
You may know someone who can weld together a hoof stand inexpensively out of materials on hand, or you may find a hoof stand that you like on Ebay.
An adjustable-height jack stand can be used as a hoof stand.
In a pinch, you could try using an adjustable-height jack stand, available in the automotive department of department stores, or in auto parts stores. Jack stands are usually sold in pairs, with interchangeable peg and cradle tops. Pad the cradle and peg tops with dense foam, wrap the foam with Vetrap, and you’re in business.
Warning:Â Jack stands are not designed to be used around horses! They are less stable, and have more sharp edges than most hoof stands. They are quite heavy, and are more likely to hurt you or your horse if they tip.
Some jack stands are too tall to work with shorter horses. You’ll want to find a jack stand that stands no taller than 12-13″ at the lowest height setting for use with an average-size horse.
Tags: hoof trimming, product reviews, tools