The Hoof Pick
Personal Selection:
For people who love horses, spending time at the stables is not a hobby but instead a lifestyle. As a member of the Equestrian Team, I understand the bond between horse and rider. In order to ride however, equestrians (people who ride horses) have to take care of their horse; this includes brushing the mane and tail, brushing the body and legs of the horse, and cleaning the hooves. One of the most interesting and important tools of the cleaning (also known as tacking) process is called the hoof pick.
History:
This tool has not changed much in shape or in size for many years. While the exact date of the first hoof pick used is unclear, parts of hoof picks were found with horse-cleaning (or grooming) supplies in the late 1800s. The shape of the metal has not been changed too much, but the handle has had minor changes to help the user hold the tool more effectively.
Materials and Function:
This tool has a rubber handle and a metal stick with a curve at the end. The tip is not completely sharp, so it will not hurt the horse. The tool is meant to clean away dirt from the underside of the hoof of a horse.
The User:
While the user of the tool is the horse rider, the one who benefits from the tool is the horse. Hoof picks are super important because they make sure that the horse’s feet are clean and clear of dirt. This allows the horse to feel safe and comfortable when being ridden in the arena.
Affordance:
The form of the hoof pick helps the user understand how to clean the feet of the horse. The sharp hook of the tool is the clearly the part that is used to pick away the dirt of the hoof. Sometimes the tool includes a hard brush, which is used to brush away the dirt after it is picked away. The shape of the bright, rubber handle suggests how the tool should be held by the curve in the form.
