Dr. Tail Horseshoe Spreader

Open a horseshoe to the right width in seconds, without a forge.

The Dr. Tail Horseshoe Spreader widens a horseshoe cold so it fits the hoof before nailing. Set the jaws inside the shoe branches, squeeze the handles and the jaws push outward, spreading the shoe evenly from the inside. It’s the fast way to fit keg shoes, open heels on a reset shoe, or fine-tune width at the truck when you don’t want to heat the shoe or walk back to the anvil.

The long 15.5" handles give you serious leverage with light hand pressure, so even heavy steel shoes open with control. The wide, flat jaw faces sit squarely against the inside of the branches and spread the load, so the shoe moves without marking or twisting. A solid riveted pivot keeps both jaws moving together.

How it works

1. Place the jaw tips inside the shoe, between the branches or at the heels.
2. Squeeze the handles. The jaws spread apart and open the shoe.
3. Check against the hoof and repeat in small steps until the fit is right.

Specifications

• Overall length: 15.5" (39 cm)
• Weight: 30.48 oz (1.9 lb / 864 g)
• Material: drop-forged steel, black oxide finish
• Jaws: wide, flat, angled spreading faces
• Pivot: riveted, single-action
• Includes: Dr. Tail canvas storage pouch with snap flap
• SKU: DRTFT16

Why farriers choose it

• Cold adjustment – widen shoes at the horse, no forge or anvil needed
• Even spread – wide flat jaws open both branches equally with no dents or hot spots
• Real leverage – 15.5" forged handles turn a light squeeze into strong, controlled force
• Works with all shoe types – steel, aluminum and keg shoes, fronts and hinds
• Built for the truck – drop-forged steel with a black protective finish that resists rust and shop wear
• Comes with a canvas pouch – heavy black canvas sleeve with snap-closure flap keeps the tool clean in your toolbox or rig.

Also known as: shoe spreader, horseshoe spreading tongs, farrier shoe opener, hoof shoe width adjuster.