What should be included in the steps of removing a horse's shoe?

The steps involved in removing a horse's shoe require specific tools designed for this task to ensure it is done safely and effectively. The use of tools like nail pullers and hammers is essential because they provide the necessary mechanical advantage to remove the nails that hold the shoe in place. Nail pullers help extract the nails from the hoof, while a hammer is typically used to tap out any nails that may be difficult to remove.

Including only the use of a rasp would be inadequate for this process, as a rasp is primarily meant for smoothing and shaping the hoof after the shoe has been removed, not for removing the shoe itself. Soaking the foot prior to removal may weaken the hoof wall or introduce moisture that could complicate the process but does not contribute to the mechanical removal of the shoe. Additionally, applying a new shoe before removing the old one would interfere with the process and can cause harm to the horse's hoof structure.

Overall, the correct approach involves the proper sequence and use of appropriate tools to safely remove the shoe and prepare the hoof for further care or for receiving a new shoe.