B885
Using Hoof Testers

Note: There are many reasons to use hoof testers. They can help detect abscesses, stone bruises, hot nails, navicular disease, and many other problems.

Figure 1
The foot should be thoroughly cleaned before using hoof testers.

 

Figure 2
Start in the heel region of the foot. When testing for a "hot nail," place one arm of the hoof tester on the inside of the shoe and the other just above the clinch of that nail on the outside of the hoof.

 

Figure 3
Note: The horse will react by trying to pull its leg away when a painful area is tested.

Move to areas of the quarter, trying to apply equal amounts of pressure to each location.

 

Figure 4
The hoof testers can then be moved to various areas of the toe. These are common spots for bruises and abscesses.

 

Figure 5
The same procedure should be performed on the opposite side of the foot (Figures 2-4).

 

Figure 6
Place one arm of the hoof tester in the middle of the frog and the other arm in the middle of the quarter or heel region. Pressure here will test for navicular problems.

 

Figure 7
On the opposite side of the foot, perform the same procedure as described in Figure 6.

 

Figure 8
Place one arm of the hoof testers over the middle of the frog and the other on the hoof wall region of the toe. This will also test for navicular problems.

 

Figure 9
Place each arm of the hoof testers over the heel region of the hoof. Try to place each arm of the hoof testers over the ends of the navicular bone. This is a third test for navicular bone problems.