ben267•9d ago

A quick heat trick for shaping draft horse shoes

I learned this from an older farrier in my area. He told me to warm the shoe with a torch for just a few seconds. It makes the steel more pliable without losing strength. I tested it on a Percheron last month and the fit was perfect. Now I do it for all large hoof jobs. It cuts down on frustration and rework. Hope it helps someone else out there!

3 comments

3 Comments

the_laura9d ago

Seriously? You need a torch for that? I've shaped plenty of shoes cold for big horses and it's fine. Steel bends pretty easy already if you know what you're doing. Maybe it helps if you're new at it, but it just sounds like an extra step to me.

richard_perry9d ago

Heating it up isn't about being new, @the_laura, it's about getting a better fit with less spring back. The steel might bend cold, but it holds the shape way nicer when it's hot. Saves me time fixing it later, lol.

diana_harris111d ago

I read an article that said a little heat can reduce metal fatigue, so maybe there's something to it.