Whether your horses graze on open pastureland or you have ponies in a fenced paddock, regular grooming is pivotal to their overall health and well-being. A hoof pick is an essential cleaning tool for any horse enthusiast and should be used as part of your daily equine grooming routine.
Perform Smart Hoof Care with a Hoof Pick
A hoof pick ensures a healthy and happy horse. As a horse spends most of its life outdoors, you need to perform a smart hoof care regime which involves cleaning their hooves regularly.
Foreign objects like dirt, mud, rocks, stones, and snow can get lodged in the frog and sole of the hooves, which not only causes the horse discomfort but can allow nasty equine diseases to develop and spread to other horses and humans. Once you use a hoof pick to properly pick out these objects and debris, your horse’s feet will be kept in pristine condition.
All busy horse lovers will have a hoof pick readily available. Whether in the stable at the ranch, on the wilderness trail, or at a show-jumping equestrian competition, a handy hoof pick close at hand is essential.
Perfect for everyday carry, a hoof pick is compact, lightweight, and very easy to store. So hang one on your halter hook. Stash one in your saddlebag. Carry one in the pocket of your backpack or tie one onto your saddle.
This effective hoof care tool is not just limited to equine animals. A hoof pick can also be used by people who are raising goats or donkeys.
The 8 Best Hoof Picks
- Wahl Professional Hoof Pick
- Ultimate HoofPick (Our Top Choice)
- Intrepid International Hoof Pick
- Tough 1 Great Grip Hoof Pick/Brush
- Roma F.C. Deluxe Soft Grip Hoof Pick
- Kathys Show Tack Brass Folding Hoof Pick
- Case Amber Bone Equestrian Pocket Knife
- Schrade Old Timer SOTHP Folding Knife with Horse Pick
Our Top Pick for the Best Hoof Pick
Our top choice for the best hoof pick is the Ultimate HoofPick.
We totally recommend the fantastic Ultimate HoofPick for horse lovers as it is the right tool for any hoof cleaning task. Its smart ergonomic handle makes it a joy to work. Unbendable, unbeatable, and unbreakable, it is 100% ready for any cleaning challenge.
The heavy-duty solid curved steel pick with a pointy tip gives you super strong leverage to get underneath packed in dirt and rocks and remove them fast. Once your horse has clean and healthy hooves, you will never want to use anything else and your horse will thank you.
How to Pick the Best Hoof Pick
Types of Hoof Picks
There are two types of hoof picks available. A standard hoof pick that comes with just a metal pick or a hoof pick that has a pick and stiff bristle brush.
– Curved Hoof Pick
Curved hoof picks, like the Ultimate HoofPick, are excellent tools as they give you the right angle that is needed for cleaning out baked-on mud and dirt and removing small stones. But if the end of the pick is not pointed enough, you may find it hard to pick out larger stones or rocks.
– Triangular Hoof Pick
Some hoof picks have more of a triangular-shaped design, like the Tough 1 Great Grip Hoof Pick, which is effective at cleaning away stubborn dirt and stones. Like curved hoof picks, triangular-shaped hoof picks may have a rounded tip or pointy tip that may or may not be ideal for your cleaning sessions. Whatever type of design the pick has, the shaft must be made from sturdy and strong metal.
A good tip for having the right tools for any cleaning job is to have a curved and a triangular hoof pick readily available.
Hoof Pick and Brush
A hoof pick that also comes with a bristle brush, like the Intrepid International Hoof Pick, allows you to complete two tasks at once. You can use the metal pick to remove stones and rocks and then use the brush to clean out any dirt. Or you can use the brush first to remove dirt and mud and then use the pick to remove stones or pebbles.
You also need to consider the design of the bristle brush. If it is too small, it may not be ideal for larger animals but better suited for small animals like a goat. Also, if the bristles are too soft, the brush may not be effective at cleaning out the stubborn dirt.
Hoof Pick/Pocket Knife
A hoof pick/ pocket knife is a highly functional tool which is perfect for a rancher, farmer, or an outdoor enthusiast who loves to travel with their horse. If your horse needs an emergency hoof cleaning session, you have a hoof pick readily available in the pocket knife.
You can use the pocket knife’s blade to cut hay bales, cut rope, or prepare a fish for dinner. The only downside to this type of hoof pick is that it may not be suited for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Handle
The handle will either be made of solid molded plastic, durable brass, or even smooth resilient bone. Plastic has good durability which is ideal for rough outdoor conditions and will usually have a comfortable rubber grip. A plastic handle may also come in lots of colors. If you need to perform tough cleaning tasks, you need to consider how strong the plastic handle is as it can bend or break under pressure.
Brass is super strong and feels good in the hand but it can get slippery in wet conditions.
A hoof pick that has a bone handle like the Case Amber Bone Equestrian Pocket Knife is strong and durable and it looks incredibly stylish. But like brass, a bone handle can also become slippery when wet.
Best Hoof Pick Reviews
1. Wahl Professional Hoof Pick
Give your horse a professional grooming experience with the Wahl Hoof Pick.
Made from reinforced steel, the Wahl hoof pick will help you to quickly remove dirt, mud or manure that can get lodged in the frog or sole of your horse’s foot. You can also use it to check for other problems like thrush or injuries that could be harmful to your horse.
Ideal for daily grooming needs, the sturdy and strong hoof pick is also designed to give you a comfortable grooming experience. As the molded plastic handle features a patented ergonomic design and a rubber grip, it fits easily into your hand as you work.
It has a convenient hanging hole for easy storage.
You can choose either a black or turquoise handle.
Wahl offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the hoof pick.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Professional design
- Ideal for everyday daily grooming needs
- Effortlessly removes dirt and mud
- Strong and sturdy
- Good durability
- Durable reinforced steel pick
- Patented ergonomic design
- Comfortable rubber grip fits well in the hand
- Convenient hanging hole
- Available in black and turquoise
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- May not be ideal for larger animals or removing stones or rocks
2. Ultimate HoofPick
Whether you have draft horses or your equine companion is a prize-winning show-ring jumper, the Ultimate HoofPick is the perfect grooming tool for any horse enthusiast.
Made in Colorado and endorsed by equine professionals such as Horse Journals, Farriers Journal, and the Practical Horseman magazine, the Ultimate HoofPick really lives up to its name. The 8-inch hoof pick is made from sturdy and strong steel that makes it so easy to remove packed-in dirt, mud, and stones.
With a superior ergonomic easy-grip molded plastic handle, the hoof pick fits solidly in your hand to give you good leverage for tough tasks and minimizes wrist strain. As the hoof pick has a smart-looking black and yellow design, you can easily spot the tool when dropped in the straw.
The hoof pick comes in a 2-pack, 3-pack, and a 4-pack.
Ultimate HoofPick offers a manufacturer’s lifetime replacement guarantee for breakage.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Perfect for any horse enthusiast
- Endorsed by Horse Journal, Farriers Journal, and Practical Horseman Magazine
- Stylish black and yellow design
- Superior ergonomic design
- Sturdy and strong steel construction
- Curved pick has a pointy tip that removes pack-in dirt, mud, and stones
- Heavy-duty molded plastic handle
- Comfortable soft easy-grip handle
- Longer 8-inch length provides good leverage
- Manufacturer’s lifetime replacement guarantee
- Comes in a 2-pack, 3-pack, and a 4-pack
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Bulky handle
- Only one size
3. Intrepid International Hoof Pick
With a functional 2-in-1 design, the Intrepid International Hoof Pick is a great cleaning tool for horses, donkeys, or goats.
Keeping your animals’ hooves clean will be quick and easy with the sturdy tool that includes a metal pick and a bristle brush. Start your grooming session by using the brush to clean away any dried-on mud on the sensitive frog areas.
The bristles are stiff enough to clean well but soft enough to provide gentle cleaning action. As the strong triangular pick has a good pointed tip, it effectively scrapes away any dirt or small stones that are firmly lodged in the hooves. Finish off grooming by brushing away any leftover dirt or debris.
If you have any other small cleaning tasks around the stables, you can use the brush for those jobs as well.
Grooming tasks will be comfortable for you as well as your animals. The molded plastic handle has a soft rubber-coated grip that helps you to maintain a firm grip on the tool even when it is cold or wet.
Storing the hoof pick where it is easily accessible is made possible with the hanging hole.
The hoof pick is available in six attractive colors: blue, green, hunter green, pink, purple, and green, and it also comes in a convenient 2-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Extremely affordable price
- 2-in-1 functionality
- Hoof pick and cleaning brush
- Sturdy design
- Strong triangular metal pick has a good pointed tip
- Very effective at removing dirt, mud, and small stones
- Clean horse hooves with ease
- Can be used for donkeys and goats
- Molded plastic handle as a comfortable rubber grip
- Easy to use in wet or cold weather
- Stiff bristles are soft enough for sensitive cleaning action
- Can be used for other cleaning uses around the stable
- 6 attractive colors
- Available in a 2-pack
Cons
- The hook may not be strong enough for large animal hooves
- Pick may not be pointed enough for removing larger stones or rocks
4. Tough 1 Great Grip Hoof Pick/Brush
Whether you have horses or goats, the Tough 1 Great Grip Hoof Pick is a very good grooming tool for your animal companions.
Instead of having two separate cleaning tools, the Tough 1 hoof pick contains two tools in one.
The strong, curved metal pick has a triangular pointed tip that helps you to get the leverage you need to quickly remove all the mud and stones that can get jammed in the hooves. Once you have removed the debris, you can use the still bristle brush to clean away any dirt. Easy to use, the hoof pick has a soft ergonomic molded plastic handle that fits comfortably in your hand and is ideal for people with arthritis or weak wrists.
Stylish and functional, the hoof pick comes in four attractive colors: neon green, pink, purple, and red.
You will always have easy access to your hoof pick with its convenient hanging hole. Attach it to your backpack or saddle while you are out riding or hang it on a halter hook in your stable.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Excellent price
- Two-in-one functionality
- Ideal for horses and goats
- Strong curved metal pick
- Triangular pointed tip is ideal for removing mud and stones
- Stiff bristle brush cleans away dirt
- Soft ergonomically designed molded plastic handle
- Ideal for people with arthritis or weak wrists
- Hanging hole
- 4 colors
Cons
- Brush head might be a bit small for larger hooves
- May not be ideal for every-day cleaning
5. Roma F.C. Deluxe Soft Grip Hoof Pick
Grooming tasks are made super easy with the Roma F.C. Deluxe Hoof Pick.
Whether you have horses or goats, this deluxe 2-in-1 hoof pick offers you lots of cleaning versatility. The sturdy and durable stainless-steel triangular-shaped pick can remove stubborn dried-on mud, dirt, or small stones. Its durable nylon bristle brush is effective at cleaning out all the dust or dirt before you start clipping the hooves.
As well as using this hoof pick as an animal grooming tool, you can even use it to clean mud and small stones from the soles of hiking boots.
For your comfort, the well-balanced hoof pick has an ergonomic rubberized soft-grip handle.
As the pick has a hanging hole, you can tie it onto your saddle or hang the tool from a halter hook.
The hoof pick is available in three pretty color combinations: light blue/black, purple/ blue, and pink/purple.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Highly versatile 2-in-1 design
- Ideal for horses and goats
- Makes cleaning hooves super easy
- Can be used to clean hiking boots
- Strong and durable stainless-steel
- Triangular shaped pick can remove tough dried-on mud, dirt, and stones
- Durable nylon bristle brush is effective at cleaning away dirt and dust
- Solid molded plastic handle
- Comfortable ergonomic soft-grip handle gives extra gripping power
- Hanging hole
- 3 pretty color combinations
Cons
- The pick is not pointed enough for extra heavy-duty tasks
6. Kathys Show Tack Brass Folding Hoof Pick
If you need an emergency hoof pick while you are exploring the trail or a back-up pick while you compete at an equestrian show, Kathys Show Tack Brass Folding Hoof Pick is a stylish and functional cleaning tool.
Made from solid brass, this beautiful hoof pick is strong and durable. You should never leave home without it. Its curved hook design and sturdy handle make it very easy to remove stones, pebbles, or dried-on mud that can become lodged in your horse’s shoe.
Best of all, the hoof pick is extremely compact and portable. Perfect for everyday carry in your, its foldup design means you can pop the hoof pick in your pocket, backpack, or even tie it to your saddle.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Stylish and functional
- Made from beautiful solid brass
- Strong, durable, and long-lasting
- Curved pick can remove stones, pebbles or dried-on mud
- Very easy to use
- Perfect for emergency cleaning
- Compact and portable foldable design
- Can be stored in your pocket or tied to a saddle
Cons
- The hook’s tip is not very sharp
- May not be suitable for everyday use
7. Case Amber Bone Equestrian Pocket Knife
Proudly made in the USA, this beautiful uniquely crafted Case Equestrian pocket knife is a vital tool for any professional equestrian or horse enthusiast.
Made from extraordinarily strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant Tru-Sharp high-carbon steel, the blade holds its edge longer than conventional steel.
You have a lot of versatility at your disposal on the trail or at the farm. The triangular-shaped pick can be used to clear away small rocks or debris from your horse’s hooves. For better control of the blade’s edge, the drop point design helps you easily perform everyday cutting and survival tasks like cutting hay bales and feathering a stick for firewood. Its sharp tip can be used to pierce animal skin or prepare a fish for dinner.
One of the standout features of this stunning pocket knife is its handle. Crafted from the hearty shin bone of Zebu cattle, the knife is ideal for rough outdoor environments. Easy to work with, its ergonomically contoured design fits comfortably in your hand while you clean your horse’s hooves.
Its non-locking slip folds the pick and blade into a compact and lightweight size which fits in your pocket or backpack.
You can choose from a classic amber peach seed jigged handle or a dark red handle. The dark red design is part of a special John Wayne Barnboard Commemorative Edition, which also includes a bonus collectible medallion, a wooden shadow box, a red river D shield, Case’s long tail C serialization, and a certificate of authenticity.
The hoof pick pocket knife comes conveniently packaged in a box, so it will make an excellent gift for other horse lovers.
Case offers a lifetime warranty on the hoof pick pocket knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Made in the USA
- Ideal everyday use and horse riders
- Perfect for equestrians and horse enthusiasts
- Ideal for everyday outdoor adventures and camping
- Amazing functionality
- Beautiful design
- Unique craftmanship
- Tru-Sharp carbon steel clip drop-point mirror-polished blade
- Extraordinarily strong, sharp, and durable
- Blade holds its edge longer than conventional steel
- Triangular-shaped pick can be used to clear away small rocks or debris
- Smooth contoured comfortable handle
- Handle is crafted from the hearty shin bone of Zebu cattle
- Non-locking slip joint folds up into a compact and lightweight size
- Available in an amber peach seed jigged design or a dark red color
- Dark red design comes with a bonus John Wayne collectible medallion, wooden shadow box, red river D shield, Case long tail C serialization, and certificate of authenticity
- Attractive presentation box
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- May not be ideal for heavy-duty cleaning tasks
- Only has a small nail nick to open the knife
- Due to hand-crafting and natural materials, the knife may not look exactly as depicted
8. Schrade Old Timer SOTHP Folding Knife with Horse Pick
The Schrade Old Timer SOTHP Folding Pocket Knife with Horse Pick is a must-have tool for any live-stock owner or horse enthusiast.
Whether you roaming on your horse in the wilderness or working on your ranch, the 7-inch Old Timer hoof pick pocket knife is tailor-made for busy horse owners and detailed cleaning work.
Just like grandpa’s folding knife, the well-made classic Old Timer will stand the test of time. Equipped for outdoor conditions, the hoof pick and blade are made from extra sturdy, strong, and sharp high-carbon satin-finish stainless-steel and the handle is made from durable thermoplastic.
You can use the curved hoof pick’s sharpened tip to pick out stones or scrape debris off the bottom of your horse’s hooves. The clip point straight-edge blade is ideal for cutting hay bales and other everyday cutting tasks.
Its beautiful design features textured Delrin scales over brass liners, heat-treated back springs, polished nickel silver bolsters, and brass rivet construction.
Extremely compact and lightweight, the Old Timer will fit easily in your pocket or backpack.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Beautiful classic design
- Must-have tool for live-stock owners or horse enthusiasts
- Equipped for rough outdoor conditions
- Ideal for detailed cleaning work
- Curved hoof pick has a sharpened tip
- Can be used to pick out stones or scrape debris off horse’s hooves
- Extra sturdy, strong, and sharp high-carbon satin-finish stainless-steel
- Durable thermoplastic handle is comfortable to use
- Textured Delrin scales over brass liners
- Heat-treated back springs
- Polished nickel silver bolsters
- Brass rivet construction
- Extremely compact and lightweight foldable size
Cons
- May not be suited for heavy-duty cleaning tasks
- Steel may not be very sharp out of the box
- The pick’s sharpened edge is not ideal for the sensitive hoof area
Our Top Pick for the Best Hoof Pick
Our top choice for the best hoof pick is the Ultimate HoofPick.
We totally recommend the fantastic Ultimate HoofPick for horse lovers as it is the right tool for any hoof cleaning task. Its smart ergonomic handle makes it a joy to work. Unbendable, unbeatable, and unbreakable, it is 100% ready for any cleaning challenge.
The heavy-duty solid curved steel pick with a pointy tip gives you super strong leverage to get underneath packed in dirt and rocks and remove them fast. Once your horse has clean and healthy hooves, you will never want to use anything else and your horse will thank you.
