Evaluating a trim job.
When evaluating a trim job on a hoof performed by a farrier, first evaluate the hoof on the ground for the correct shape and then from the bottom for levelness. Make sure the hoof is uniform with no distortions. Then pick up the hoof and sight down to make sure the hoof wall is level from side to side. Next, check the sole to make sure it is flexible to thumb pressure but not so thin that walking on hard ground will make the horse sore. Check to make sure the frog has been trimmed properly. Check to make sure that the front feet are the same angle and length and that the same is true of the hind hooves. Lastly, watch the horse move and make sure it is sound and not lame and that the hoof wall impacts the ground flatly following trimming.
Evaluating a shoe job.
An imaginary line through the coronary band should be approximately parallel to the ground. View the hoof from the side. The hoof to pastern axis should not be broken, and the back part of the hoof wall should be roughly parallel to the bulbs of the heel. The bulbs of the heel should be approximately the height when viewed from the rear. The hooves should be similar in size in shape. Compare one forefoot to the other and one hind foot to the other. The shoe should impact the ground surface flatly. The shoe should be fitted to provide added room for expansion at the quarters and heels, and it should extend slightly past the heel bulb. Horseshoe nails should exit the hoof wall 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch above the bottom of the hoof wall. The clinches should be rasped.
