Mustang Springs Ranch
Presents Our Version Of
Western Farrier For
Pony Girl/Boy Horseshoes
This Requires The Following Tools:
Hammer
Jig Saw
C Clamp
Large Flat File
Grinding Wheel
Power Drill & Bits
2" Roto Wood Shaper
(For Power Drill)
Carpenter's Glue
Sandpaper, Coarse
This Requires The Following Hardware:
Horseshoes, Size 000, Diamond or St. Croix Flat
(These are 4" Wide x 4.5" Long)
Horseshoe Nails, (12) #4 or #5
Plywood, 5/8", Exterior Grade or better, about 2 sq. ft.
Machine Bolts, (8) 10x24x 3", slot head, measure first.
Machine Bolts, (8) 10x24x 3.5", slot head or etc.
You will need extras if some cuttin' to length is needed.
Wood Inserts, (8) 10x24's 5/8"flanged w/ points
Box Nails, (4) 2"
Instructions For Horseshoein' Pony Boots:
Mark outline of horseshoes on plywood.
Jig Saw out 3 layers for each shoe, Total of Wood=2" Thick.
Now this requires some further forethought.
A lot more than I gave it the first try!
I simply cut each layer the same without
reguards to the final outcome or fitting to boots.
If you make each cut of ply the same
The hoof comes out too verticle and requires too much shaping.
Plus the top layer must match the boot, so that needs to be
Marked early on. The boot has a longer flat area than the horseshoe.
So the top layer of wood needs to be longer, middle layer in between.
So it comes out staggered, or corbeled looking.
Mark out the horseshoe layer, then the boot layer, and
Then mark the middle layer both ways, horseshoe and boot sizes,
Then draw a mark spliting the difference,
Now if you angle the gig saw to correct hoof angle these mate up...
Ok, whatever ply shapes you come up with, stack as best you can.
They can be shaped and/or puttied/epoxied in later.
Place horseshoe on bottom, try to pick a nice side of ply to show.
Hold firmly the whole stack in proper place, C clamps work nice.
Nail shoe on but not like a Farrier, make nails slant in, not out.
If you slant nails out they will hinder shaping severely.
Since the nails are not quite long enough to hold all 3 layers,
Simply turn over and nail a couple of 2" box nails to hold top layer on.
Now, simply mark out a small 1" x 1.75" rectangular drill hole pattern.
Drill through the hoof for the machine bolts that will fasten hoof on.
Don't make holes too close to toe or side, hard to reach inside!
Don't make holes too far back, interferrs with innersole!
Drill back through 'til bolts slide in freely, remove bolts for later.
These can be re-spaced and enhanced to allow for chislein' out the frog.
That would be a very nice touch of reality and pony spirit!
Now for the hard part, Shaping the Hoof.
If you staggered your layers just right
And angled your gig saw cuts just right
The shaping will proceed well, if not then
A lot of extra effort will be needed.
Remember I told you to think ahead on this!
The roto shaper tool is not very tough, it broke loose.
I had to knock out the loose pin and replace with a
Carriage bolt, lock washer and 2 nuts to lock it tight
Enough to take some real pony pressure and punishment
To shape this thickness of plywood into a hoof shape.
Remember to mark the boot outline carefully and straight,
And mark "L" and "R" so you won't get them reversed later.
Some Carpenter's glue sealed up the cracks and holes.
But some extra wood putty/epoxy is often needed.
Then some varnish if you are happy with the shaping.
Then some more varnish or simply black or colored enamel.
A real nice touch is to tuck in leather before nailing and
Glue and tack it on top after shaping, but this is tricky.
I recommend the varnished or painted look on your first try.
I used black markin' pen then black shoe polish, ok.
Now, to finish off the shoes, some grinding and filing of
The nail heads is needed, plus it shines the steel up nice.
Some filing of the edges is needed to remove burrs and
To achieve a very smooth snag free feel to the touch.
Wouldn't want to run a pony's or Mistress' stockin'!
Meanwhile back at the Boots you picked out...
Carefully peel out the inner lining part way.
Then place the hoofs in place.
Drill pilot holes partly into soles to mark.
Remove hoof and carefully drill soles through.
Carpenter glue up the inserts and place inside drill holes.
They should barely fit. Replace hoofs and screw in long bolts,
Carefully seating the pointed flanges flush into the inner sole.
Tighten down hard and let set a minute or two.
Remove the long bolts so they won't get glued in tight.
I use thick soled boots, or platforms so there is
1/2" thick sole to place inserts into. Thinner soles
Will have inserts protruding and can't be worn hoofless.
The soles will resemble golfshoe soles but without the cleets.
Reglue the inner sole and smooth it back down.
Add a pair of Dr. Schoal's inner soles for comfort.
When glue is dry, you are ready to bolt on your new hoofs!
Now be very careful. These are dangerous for many reasons!
Don't blame me if you fall, smash up the place, kick your dog,
and scuff up the hardwood or tile floors like a wild mustang!
You will feel the urge to kick arse, please be gentle and kind.
Remember these are deadly weapons! You are now a Mustanggirl!
Always remember the ethical rules of engagement in nature.
Use against other life forms only in self defence.
One more problem, see what it is?
Well the heels now need something.
Some Ponies remove them altogether and seal them over.
You will have to walk on your toes then.
So, if you wish to level them out,
Heel extentions are needed.
This cane be done with more layers of ply cut to size.
Drill and Countersink Flat Head Screw in as required.
Some shoe repair places may be able to help.
A nice pair of taps can also be added
So you can really scuff up the place,
Or do some really heavy pony tap dancin'! ;-)
Rubber heel soles are good for brakes! ;-)
Again, finish ply similar to match hoofs.
This is Some More Misc. Important Info:
This is a picture of some awesome horseshoe boots.
These are my favorite design:
Worn By The Latex Pony Girl
She looks fantastic in them!
Now you can also do this on different length boots.
Suede also looks great, and various heels all are nice.
Heck, go crazy, horseshoe and hoof all your shoes! ;-)
Well, better save a pair of sneakers for
When your tired pony feet give out!
Or if you need to do carts and other events.
To reiterate, plan ahead, think carefully,
Memorize all the steps and sequence.
Then your measurements will come out nice.
Also, I Am NOT Responsible For Damages:
To your boots, your floor, your body, your place,
your car interior, your dog or cat, or your real horse etc..
Use duct tape or large socks for temp. indoor use.
Rubber hoof covers are also available but don't fit well.
With large enough stirrups you can still ride in them,
But heels are necessary to hold your boots in stirrups.
All Right Ponies, Lets Get Trottin'! Be Careful Ponies!
This takes some practice, especially if you're not
experienced with real high heels or platforms!
Some extra ankle support is recommended, like ace bandage
as a precaution, or even stiffer support if you wish.
A little precaution makes any sprain much less severe.
Now, with skill, you can advance to gallop and prancin' etc.
Hop skip and jumpin' is also possible, watch out!
Horseshoes are very slippery on pavement.
They are made for hard ridin' on country soils.
But careful slidin' on sidewalks will keep them shinny.
Some occasional filing will remove edges and burrs.
A light WD 40, gunoil or spray varnish will prevent rust.
Resand varnish or paint, and refinish regularly.
Don't forget all surfaces need polishin' Marine Ponies!
These hoofs will outlast many uppers if taken care of.
You will have to do many miles of hard ridin' to wear them out!
Remember to never complain to Owner verbally about your shoes.
Simply act lame and they will check and fix them for you.
A smart pony knows how to get new shoes! ;-)
But, don't push your luck by scuffing the uppers so much
by hoofin' on all fours they have to be replaced every week!
These shoes are more for show and two legged get up and go!
Good Ridin'!
There is always room for improvements in these techniques.
If you are more handy with resins and molds etc.
See Boots' Pages On Hoof Making
See Hooves R Us For Hand Hooves
For more tack info see these other sites:
PONY GIRL SOFT BIT
This bit is made from 8 inches of
1/2 in. black nylon climbing rope.
With two, 2.5 inch "bungie" cord hooks.
Cord "C-clips" secure rope inside hooks.
Actual Size 9 inches end to end.
Space between hooks is 4 inches.
Rope ends fray easily into cute fluffy tails.
Hooks lie sensuously on cheeks, smooth and secure.
Ready to receive bridle/halter D rings and reins.
Your Pony will be eager to take this Soft Bit!
Hard part is bending down hooks round.
We used 3/4" socket wrench for mandrel.
And vice for bending hook round socket.
Hook was masking taped to protect vinyl.
1/4" diam. rubber hose 5/8 in. long to close.
PONY FASHION BOOTS
PONY GIRL TACK
PONY TRAINING JUMPSOLES NEW!
HORSE TACK
BLACKSMITHS
RURAL HERITAGE SMITHY
HORSESHOES
FARRIER TOOLS
KATY FORGE FARRIER INFO
FARRIER AT HOME COURSE
FREE HORSE SAFETY LESSONS
FARRIER AND TRAINER SOFTWARE
HORSESHOES DOT COM
JONI'S BRAIDED NYLON TACK
MUSTANG GIRLS INDEX
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