Does sanding hooves really make a difference?

Before applying polish that is. Does it do anything other than smoothing down any lumps? My horse doesn't have lumpy hooves so I don't think I should even bother. Do you guys have any pics of sanded versus non-sanded hooves?

I'd be cautious about sanding hooves. The hoof has it's own natural outer coating that helps the hoof retain moisture to keep it healthy and pliable. Sanding the hoof removes that layer and can lead to bigger problems.

Don't use a power sander. Just use a 2 -3 different grades of sand paper (sanding blocks are great) and then to finish some steel wool and then some matching shoe polish. This is what I have done for over 15 years and all the horse's hooves are still healthy and hold pads and shoes without problems. If you are really worried about it you can sand and paint then remove the paint and apply hoof grease when done.

ACK! Don't sand the hooves! You risk messing up mositure control in the hoof, and make it more prone to cracking/chipping.

If you sand too high it'll make their feet grow faster, too ;)

I was about to type the same thing. We already do to much to improve our horse's coats, hooves etc and I think sanding is one of those things that would be a little to much.

I would stay away from it.

Really? Wow.... My barefoot trimmer farrier lady (lol) sands the hooves just a bit..nothing major... I guess the next time she is out I will ask her why she does that and grill her on the moisture thing.....

I wouldn't sand the hooves, it could lead to problems. :(

Besides, I think they look just as good without sanding

I have never seen or heard of anyone doing it until now.