A horse in Spokane taught me to always check the frog first

Thomas Gonzalez · 2026-04-14T14:35:09.441988+00:00

I was trimming a draft cross at a barn out there about six months ago, and the owner kept saying the horse was just 'off.' I went straight for the hoof wall and sole like usual. After twenty minutes of frustration, my mentor, who was watching, just said, 'You're looking at the wrong part.' He had me feel the frog, and it was mushy and hot. That one comment shifted my whole process. Now I start every single job with a frog check. Anyone else have a moment that totally flipped their routine?

graceprice5mo ago

Six months ago I had a horse that was three-legged lame and I spent forty minutes checking the sole, the white line, the heels, everything. Nothing. Finally the vet came out and poked the frog with a hoof pick and the horse nearly jumped through the wall. Abscess hiding right there. That moment humbled me hard. Now I start with the frog every single time and I tell every new trimmer I work with to do the same. It's wild how something so overlooked can be the whole problem.

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taylor.paige6mo ago

My old farrier in Montana always said the frog check was overrated, that a solid sole tells you more.

5

claire_butler16mo ago

Trust the frog, it tells the real story.

1