Brian, i would tweak your post ,if i were saying it to, Gary and many others has it mostly right , it will always be about the trim if one has hoof to work with. ray
I've been not using the first nail holes for some time and I've noticed some differences. Maybe it's an illusion. I've also got to many horses where I only nail up with two nails on each side, and I don't loose any more shoes than when I used more nails. Maybe my trimming and fitting has improved?
Mikel, not to be a wise guy but............ if your using a shoe that was punched with only 2 holes per branch would the "rule" also apply, do not use the 1st nail holes? regards ray
Ray, for me it depends on where the nail holes are punched. For me, most the european shoes, the first hole is too far forward, and some too close together. Look at sliding shoes. State side you get sliders with only 3 holes and they are spread apart. Here you have to buy the same shoe with 4 holes per side in the same distance. Why? Me, I special order with no holes so I can put them where I need them.
Now to me, I don't like using the last nails in the kegs I use. I feel they are behind the widest part of the hoof and will only use them if 2 nails on a side will not hold as well?
I've put on about ten pair in the last twenty years, so I'm probably not qualified to claim that Title. I'm leaving town for a couple days, will elaborate more later.
Mikel, now to be the arse that i be................. would handmades make any difference if your "rule" is not to use the 1st nail hole? Regards Ray
Yea, because I can put the first nail hole where I want it! And just for you Ray, I can make a hole real forward, so I am still using the second one!
Mostly I've been using Werkman because I can get many of them with no clips. I like the option putting clips (if I use them) where I want them.
I m starting a thread "what s wrong with the nail holes" for the continuation of the conversation about nail hole placement etc. in general,or the whole! So as to keep this thread about" unbreakable rules". Please keep the discussion in this thread related to " unbreakable or/but bendable/flexable rules" related to shoeing. Thanks Ray
please move the quoted post to the other thread having to do with nail hole placement etc. , or remove it. If it is not removed in a couple of hours i will delete it and any other posts that are not on thread subject,kinda thanks ray
Having someone around is good if possible. Unfortunately, I break that rule to often. I do prefer that someone be near, NOT the owner standing there feeding it oats because its fussy (the horse)
payment upon completion of the work, no accounts receivable unless accompanied with $25 billing fee and paid within 30 days
While i don t like the feeding oats etc. . I d still take it over being alone and possibly getting hurt and not able to get help. The oats thing, I suggest that they feed me and bring a coffee cause i can get fussier! I just tell them ,not while i m working on their horse, if the horse bit their check writing hand while they were feeding dobbin, i d be flat out pissed for not having said something. Priorities! Ray
Gary, it came to me....perhaps you can swap your unused "last "nail holes to Mikel for his unused 1st nail holes, then it could be an amicable "fill "all the nail holes, course i d like 10% Regards Ray
Good idea Ray, but when the trade is made be sure no one puts the holes in their pockets as there would be holes in their pockets.