DrTail Hoof Nipper

The DrTail Hoof Nipper is a forged farrier nipper for taking excess hoof wall down quickly and evenly during a trim. It is forged from chrome vanadium (Cr-V) steel hardened to 50–55 HRC, with curved cutting jaws that follow the shape of the hoof, and it comes in three lengths so you can match the tool to your hand and the horse in front of you. Built for professional farriers and for horse owners who trim between farrier visits. Every nipper comes boxed with a branded carrying pouch.

Why farriers and owners choose it

• Forged chrome vanadium steel, hardened to 50–55 HRC – Cr-V is a tough tool-steel alloy. Hardened into the 50s on the Rockwell scale, the jaws hold a sharp edge through repeated trims without being so brittle that they chip easily.
• Curved jaws – the cutting edges follow the curve of the hoof wall, so you take even bites around the toe and quarters instead of leaving flat spots.
• Three handle lengths – 12", 14" and 15". Longer handles give more leverage on hard or thick walls; shorter handles give more control on small hooves.
• Branded carrying pouch included – a heavy canvas pouch with a snap-flap closure keeps the jaws covered in the truck or tack room.
• Ships rust-protected – each nipper is sealed in a bag with silica-gel desiccant and packed in a DrTail gift box, so it arrives clean and ready to use.
• 14-day satisfaction guarantee – try them on real hooves. If you're not happy, return them within 14 days of delivery, even after use.

Which size should I choose?

Not sure? Most first-time buyers and professional farriers start with the 14".

How to use a hoof nipper

1. Clean the hoof. Pick out the foot and brush off dirt and grit, which dulls the edges.
2. Pare first. Use a hoof knife to clean up the sole and find live sole, so you know how much wall can safely come off.
3. Nip in small bites. Hold the jaws level with the sole plane and work from one heel around the toe to the other heel. Small, overlapping bites give a cleaner line and less chance of taking too much.
4. Leave a little wall. Stop slightly above the sole rather than cutting flush; the rasp finishes the job.
5. Finish with a rasp. Level and balance the foot with a hoof rasp and round the outer edge.

If a horse is lame, has a hoof condition, or you are new to trimming, work with your farrier or veterinarian.

Care and maintenance

• Wipe the jaws clean and dry after each use. Chrome vanadium is a tool steel, not stainless, so moisture and manure left on it will cause rust.
• Put a drop of light oil on the pivot and the cutting edges, then open and close a few times.
• Store closed in the carrying pouch to protect the edges.
• Use only on hoof wall – never on nails, clinches, shoes or stones, which will chip the edges.

Specifications

• Sizes and SKUs: 12" (DRTFT9), 14" (DRTFT8), 15" (DRTFT7)
• Material: Forged chrome vanadium (Cr-V) steel – not stainless; keep dry and lightly oiled
• Hardness: 50–55 HRC (Rockwell C)
• Jaws: Curved cutting edges
• 12" jaw opening: 1¾ in  |  12" cutting edge: 1 in
• Handles: Bare metal (no rubber grips), easy to clean
• Shipping weight: approx. 2.1 lb
• Markings: DrTail logo and size/SKU laser-etched on the handle
• In the box: Hoof nipper (sealed with silica-gel desiccant), canvas carrying pouch with snap closure, DrTail gift box
• Guarantee: 14-day satisfaction guarantee, even after use
• Use: Trimming hoof wall on horses, ponies, donkeys and livestock

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between nippers and a hoof knife?
Nippers remove excess wall length quickly; a hoof knife pares the sole, frog and bars. Most trims use both, followed by a rasp. See our Hoof Knife Buying Guide to pick a knife.

Are these stainless steel?
No. They are forged from chrome vanadium tool steel, hardened to 50–55 HRC, a steel chosen for strength and edge-holding. Like any tool steel, keep them dry and lightly oiled to prevent rust.

Can I use these on goats, sheep or cattle?
Yes. The 12" suits goat and sheep hooves; the longer sizes give more leverage on larger livestock.

What if they don't suit me?
The DrTail Hoof Nipper comes with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with them, even after using them, email support@drtail.com with your order number within 14 days of delivery and we'll arrange your return and refund.

Do you sell these wholesale?
Yes – farm stores, distributors and farrier suppliers can email wholesale@drtail.com for volume pricing.

Complete your farrier kit

Hoof knives · Hoof rasps · Hoof testers · All farrier tools