Thread: Could I use horse hooves as filler?

I have read how scales are sanded and the dust mixed with epoxy to fill voids in scales, my question is if horse hooves would be an acceptable additive? In the summer, I work at a racetrack and would have a fairly large supply after the horses got new shoes. Would a mixture of ground horse hoof and epoxy be viable?

I believe it would, the most difficult part might be color matching issues. Although they do look plenty dark to fill in dark horn. Worth a shot in my book

In theory it is the same material as horn, they do come in a variety of colours in general so you might be able to have options for a variety of colours of filler too.

it's basically the same material. so I would think you can. Please do share the results if you decide to do it though!!!

Ohh no, I think my brain is outpacing my ability.

When i was little i grew up the summer vacations at my grandparent's farm...grandad used to have me help put the horse's shoes on) every now and then when needed...
So after removing the old one the hoof had to go trough a bit of trimming to get to fit to the new shoes...
I remember that the hoof shavings did not have a pleasent smell at all.

You could try just to gt some die for the epoxy... even if you dont match it perfectly...i recon it's more hygenic.

Originally Posted by ovidiucotiga

I remember that the hoof shavings did not have a pleasent smell at all.

Used to shave hooves on cattle at my father's dairy farm. (they require it to keep their hooves flat and remove any rot) and I can absolutely confirm it is one of the worst smells in the world. Avoid at all costs lol

True that....^^^^

Sounds kinda nasty.!

Originally Posted by MrZ

Ohh no, I think my brain is outpacing my ability.

You get used to it