Just realized the average draft horse shoe weighs over 2 pounds, found that in an old farrier textbook from 1998.

Always thought they were lighter, but that's a serious chunk of steel to shape and nail on. Anyone else surprised by the actual weight of some shoes you work with?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_wood5115d ago

Yeah, that weight adds up fast over a full set. I always tell new guys to practice shaping with a lighter practice shoe first, maybe a used one, before tackling a fresh, heavy steel shoe. It saves your arm and your confidence when you're learning the swing.

gracet2214d ago

But what if starting with a heavy shoe is the better lesson? I feel like you learn bad habits with a light one because the real weight forces you to use your whole body right from the start. Yeah it's harder at first, but you don't have to unlearn a weak arm swing later. Isn't that tougher in the long run?

the_troy8d ago

Wait, you're telling new people to practice with a used shoe? That's a great way to pick up someone else's bad dings and bends. A beat up shoe throws totally different than a fresh one, you're basically learning on broken gear.