Introduction to Evolutionary Hoof Care s New Hoof Care Work Stations TM and Evo Hoof Stands TM Also see Video Instructions at www.evohoofcare.com This new generation of hoof support devices will significantly improve the speed, ease, and accuracy of your work. The core aspect of these new designs is the Evo Hoof Stand. With the addition of the new design Tool Caddy, the Evo Hoof Stand becomes the Complete Hoof Care Work Station. Because the Work Station is built around the Hoof Stand, directions for both have been combined. Even if you have purchased the Work Station, seeing how to position and brace the Evo Stand without the Tool Caddy attached to it will help you better understand the overall functions of the Work Station. Remember that if you have purchased an Evo Hoof Stand you can add the Tool Caddy to it later, converting it to a Work Station. Though the Evo Hoof Stand has a seemingly simple profile, it has functions not available on other hoof stands. It will take time and experimentation to learn all its uses. These directions will get you started. The Complete Work Station adds another layer of functions for you to become familiar with. We want you to get the full benefits that these designs have to offer, so please review these directions both before and after you have used your new piece of equipment for a while. For the most complete orientation, be sure to view the full-length video instructions on our website. Caution: Always remember that working on horse s hooves involves risk: put safety first! Learn to use your Evo Stand or Work Station in ways that protect you and the horse from injury. Avoid working in positions that are awkward or unstable. Proper positioning of the stand and horse s leg, along with secure bracing of both, are essential. Do not use your stand or Work Station on horses that you do not trust to cooperate. Be aware that the most secure and comfortable placement of the stand can vary from one horse to another. Do not use these tools if you are not competent in their applications. Parts and Functions of the Evo Hoof Stands: HS-1 Standard HS-2 Shorty Standard Parts: 1. Hoof Cradle / Flip-up Handle 2. Grip Head 3.! Square Inner Shaft 4. Push / Pull Height Adjuster 5. Hoof Cradle Storage Spot 6. 1 Spring-loaded Outer Shaft 7. Round Stand Base 8. Legs 9. Grip Head Socket Pin Extra Shorty Parts 11. Hoof Cradle Extension Magnet 12. Hoof Cradle Extension As shown above, the HS-2 Shorty has the same parts as the HS-1 Standard but also includes a Hoof Cradle Extension Insert that is used for keeping small hooves in place on the Cradle. This addition enables you to use two hands on your hoof nippers. A powerful magnet is supplied to hold the Cradle Extension in its storage place when you are not using it. Caution: This magnet is not a toy! Keep it away from children. Parts and Functions of the Complete Hoof Care Work Stations: The parts of the Work Stations are mostly the same for both the WS-1 Standard and WS-2 Shorty versions, but the parts are not all in the same locations on the two. Take your time learning about these features and the benefits they offer you. Work Station Parts: 1. Flip-up Hoof Cradle and Handle 2. Grip Head 3. Inner Stand Shaft 4. Push-Pull Height Adjustment Selector 5. Storage hook for Hoof Cradle 6. Outer Stand Shaft 7. Knife Tube 8. Radius Rasp Magnet Plate 9. Nipper Tube 10. Hoof Buffer & other tools tube 11. Sole Rasp tube 12. Rasp tube 13. Size reducing insert for #10 14. Hoof Cradle Extension Insert and its Mounting Magnet Work Station-1 Standard Work Station-2 Shorty
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 2 Assembling Evo Stands and Work Stations Inserting the inner shaft on Standard size HS-1 and WS-1 Insert the! Inner Shaft into the top of the 1 Outer Shaft so that the holes in it align with the Height Selector Pin. Be sure the shaft elevation spring remains inside the outer shaft! When releasing the Height Selector at low heights, keep one hand over the top of the Inner Shaft. WARNING: Your Standard Size Evo Stand or Work Station is now Spring-Loaded!!! The Inner Shaft of your new stand is spring-loaded. Once inserted into the Outer Shaft and compressed to a low height, the Inner Shaft can elevate rapidly when the Height Selector is disengaged. At the lowest height the Inner Shaft can eject out of the Outer Shaft. Always keep your face away from the top of the Inner Stand Shaft! Place one hand over the top of it when disengaging the Height Selector at lower heights. Using hoof stands has inherent risks: Be careful!!! Be sure to read complete written directions and view instruction videos for these tools online at www.evohoofcare.com Work Smart: Know Your Job and Your Tools! Attaching the Legs: Both sizes of Evo Stands and Work Stations have the same low profile, three-leg design. However, the legs for the Standard sizes HS-1 and WS-1 are longer and made from heavier steel channel than the legs on the Shorty models. Do not use the shorter, lighter weight legs from the Shorty HS-2 and WS-2 on the larger standard models. These legs are not designed to support the greater weights exerted on the larger stands. All legs have a small hole in the bent end. This hole has no function so you can ignore it. To mount the legs, loosen the bolt (Part A below) that secures the 3-arm Leg Stay (Part B below) to the bottom of the round stand base. Unscrew the bolt until you can slide the bent ends of the legs between the arms of the Leg Stay and the round stand base. Make sure the legs are inserted until their ends touch each other. Then tighten the bolt (A below) enough to hold the legs in place. Hole in leg Insert bent ends of legs between Leg Stay arms (B) & stand base Tighten bolt slightly Aligning the Grip Head with One Leg: Once the legs are in place you can rotate them to adjust their position relative to the 1 square stand shaft. For standard alignment, position one leg in line with one side of the square shaft and so that the slope of Grip Head is toward that leg. With this alignment, when you place the sole of a horse s hoof on the Grip Head, with its toe pointing away from the Hoof Cradle, one leg of the stand will extend directly forward of the horse s leg. This is called the Standard Leg Position. Grip Head slant & hoof position Align 1 leg with Grip Head so hoof points toward it Tighten bolt FIRMLY!
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 3 Once you have one leg aligned with the downward slope of the Grip Head, lay the stand on its side with two legs against the ground to brace it. Next use a wrench to very firmly tighten the Leg Stay Bolt. This bolt must always be kept tight to protect the legs from becoming loose. Check it after you have used the stand a while to make sure it remains tight. In this Standard Position, a hoof on Grip Head points toward one leg. Begin using your stand in this position. Later you can rotate the Grip Head to try different leg positions. Operating the Height Adjustment Selector To adjust the height of the stand, you simply push or pull on one end of the Height Adjustment Selector frame. This disengages its locking pin, allowing the inner shaft to move. If the height of the stand is low, the spring inside the stand shaft will elevate the inner shaft. If the height of the stand is already high, you simply push it down to the desired lower height and release the Height Selector frame. To disengage the Height Selector Pin by pushing, press your thumb on the flat end of the frame (not the 3/8 Plunger Rod that extends through the frame). To disengage by pulling, grasp the ends of the " rod that passes through the opposite, angled end of the frame. WARNING: Never use the stand without the white plastic stop inserted in the Height Selector frame, as this piece is essential to maintain the stability of the Height Selector Frame! Without the stop the stand height is not stable. And remember: at low heights the Inner Shaft can eject from the Outer Shaft when the Height Selector is disengaged! Keep one hand over it when you release the Selector at low height. Plastic Stop Push & Pull to disengage selector pin Changing height 1 handed & w/ hoof on Grip Head You can change height during use, with the hoof on the Grip Head or the Cradle, by lifting hoof and Grip Head or Cradle together while you disengage the Height Selector with your other hand. Bracing Evo Stands and Work Stations Positioning the Stand Under the Horse s Leg: For optimum stand stability, the horse s front leg is positioned so that its weight pushes directly downward onto the Grip Head. This position differs from one horse to another. When placing the leg on the Grip Head, lift it and pull it forward, feeling for the height and position in which the hoof tends to descend vertically downward. Position the stand under the hoof at that position. When placing the hoof on the Hoof Cradle, bend the leg and pull it backward to find the position in which the hoof tends to descend vertically onto the Hoof Cradle. Some horses will relax more if you stretch the leg forward and backward before placing the hoof on the stand. WARNING: Avoid having your fingers between the hoof and the Grip Head! Hold the hoof by the outer edges. Stand too close to horse Stand too far out Position stand so hoof drops directly down on Grip Head Placing Hoof on Grip Head: NOTE: These demonstrations done without an apron to show leg positions. Place to toward lower side of Grip Head Hold hoof by edges NOTE: Don t do this at home!
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 4 Basic Leg and Foot Bracing Positions: In many positions, the stand can be stabilized with one knee or the lower thigh against the hoof, or one foot on one leg of the stand. For increased stability, these two ways of bracing are combined. This is done with either the knee and foot of the same leg or knee and foot of your opposite legs. You can also use the heel of your shoe rather the toe on the ends of the stand legs. Occasionally, for maximum stability, you can use both feet on the stand legs or bring both knees together against the hoof. But this is rarely needed if you place the stand in the best position under the horse s leg. Proper bracing will usually allow you to work both sides of the hoof without changing your stance under the horse. There are multiple positions for your feet, both on and off the stand legs. Use these to position your legs so you can stabilize the top of the stand and the hoof on it with your knee or thigh. Think of creating a triangle or pyramid shape with the hoof or leg at its point. When a horse pulls its hoof off the Grip Head or Cradle, catch the hoof with your thigh or hand, hold it until the horse relaxes, then put it back on again. Triangulating your Bracing Toe & heel placement on Stand Legs Bracing front hooves on the Grip Head: 1 knee only bracing 1 foot only bracing 1 knee & 1 foot same leg 2 feet on 2 stand legs 1 knee & 1 foot of opposite legs 1 knee & both feet using heel & toe of boot Controlling tipping with front hooves on the Grip Head: Stand tipping backward Prevent w/ 1 foot on front leg or knee to hoof w/ Grip Head in reverse position
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 5 Bracing hind hooves on the Grip Head: 1 knee & 1 foot bracing Controlling Tipping 2 feet on 2 stand legs 2 feet & 1 Knee Bracing front hooves on the Hoof Cradle: Bracing the Hoof Cradle is similar to using the Grip Head. But with the Hoof Cradle, you often use your thigh against the pastern or your knee against the fetlock. You can also use one hand to stabilize the hoof as you work it. Place Cradle where hoof drops down onto it, with Grip Head toward hairline of hoof, so it does not interfere with tool use. Grip Head to hair line Hoof drops on Knee brace--your leg inside of horse leg Your leg outside horse s Bracing hind hooves on the Hoof Cradle: Stretching the horse s leg forward, up, and down, before putting it on the Cradle, can help relax it. Some horses need to retract the leg briefly after being on the Cradle for a couple minutes. Allow the retraction by holding the hoof as the leg moves forward, wait a moment, then replace the hoof on the Cradle. Stiff-legged horses might need to put the leg all the way down for a moment and then up again. Set the Cradle at the height that suits you best. If the horse is uncomfortable, adjust height. You can shift placement of the stand forward and backward, as well as inward or outward, to find the spot in which a horse is most comfortable, or to vary your position as you work. Use your upper arm to brace the inside of the hock of the leg. Change the positions of your legs and feet to gain the best access for your tools. Place slightly behind horse Bracing w/ 1 foot 1 foot & one Knee 2 feet 2 feet & one knee Thigh to fetlock Upper arm to hock, 1 knee & 1 foot Arm, 2 knees, 2 feet Allow brief leg retraction
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 6 Heel of foot on stand leg 1 knee to fetlock on Shorty stand Bracing mini horse hoof with front of your leg Hand bracing of hoof on Cradle of Grip Head: It is also effective to use one hand to brace the hoof against both the Hoof Cradle and the Grip Head as you work Hoof Cradle / Handle Positioning The Hoof Cradle rotates around a " rod mounted on the stand s Grip Head. When the rubber-covered arc of the Cradle is rotated upward, it drops into position for use. When it is lifted it becomes a handle to carry the stand. When rotated downward, it allows you to use the Grip Head. The cradle can also be removed from the Grip Head and hooked on the " rod attached to the frame of the Height Selector. To do this, put the cradle in the down position on the Grip Head, lift it slightly and pull it away from the Grip Head. The cradle will unhook from the Grip Head. Now hook the cradle on the Height Selector rod. Use this storage place if the Cradle interferes with your bracing of the hoof or stand. Down position Lift up or down Up position Handle grip Detach Stow position The fit of the Cradle on its bracket can be made tighter or looser by twisting the hose coverings. Adjust Cradle fit on bracket by twisting the Hose Removing and replacing Cradle Hose: Using the Hoof Cradle Positioning the Hoof on the Cradle: This Hoof Cradle is designed to support the hoof securely yet give you full access to it with your tools. Moving the hoof forward or backward across the Cradle alters areas of support. This changes both the angle of the bottom of the hoof and effects access to the hoof outer wall of the hoof. When working the front half of the hoof it is usually best to position the Cradle near the toe. When working the rear half of the hoof, heels, frog, and bars, it can be helpful to shift the Cradle nearer to the hairline.
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 7 How hoof position on Cradle changes your access to the outer wall & the angle of support for working the bottom of it To position Hoof Cradle at lowest height, remove Inner Stand Shaft and place Cradle in top of 1 Outer Shaft: Using the Hoof Cradle Extension on Shorty stands: This device enables you to get both hands on your nippers when trimming very small hooves. Pull Cradle Extension from magnet, insert in end of Cradle, place stand with Extension next to horse Brace horse s knee with your leg. See our video on trimming miniature horse hooves for more detail. Tool Use on the Hoof Cradle: The Evo Stands and Work Stations give you special advantages when using your regular tools hoof knife, nippers, and flat rasp. Some of these positions will be new, so take your time learning to use them. Front Hooves: Nippers and rasp w/ open stance Rasping in all directions, 2 and 1 handed, push and pull Hind Hooves: Rasping both directions on Cradle Rasping all of outer hoof wall on Grip Head Using the solid support of the Cradle for hoof knife work can increase your control and leverage.
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 8 Knife work on Cradle, front Hoof, pulling and pushing, Knife work on Cradle hind hoof Using other Evolutionary Hoof Care tools with your Evo Stand or Work Station The Evo Hoof Stands and Complete Hoof Care Work Stations are designed to facilitate your use of all hoof care tools including the new Radius Rasps, Hoof Buffers, and Sole Rasps. The Grip Head and Hoof Cradle provide solid support so you can apply your tools to greater effect with less effort. It will take you some time to discover all the ways you can use these stands to facilitate your trimming work. Be sure to shift the hoof around on both the Grip Head and Hoof Cradle to get the best access and positions for applying all your tools. Experiment with one handed grips that steady the hoof against the Cradle. Also remember to adjust your stance so you move around the stand to get into the best positions for using each tool on each part of the hoof. Be sure to view our videos on how to use our new tools with the Evo Stands and Work Stations. Hoof Buffers on Grip Head and Hoof Cradle Radius Rasps on Evo HS-1 Sole Rasp on Shorty Cradle Hoof Cradle as Stand Handle Function To use the Hoof Cradle as a handle for carrying the stand, lift the Cradle from its up position on the Grip Head and slide two fingers on either side of the Cradle shank. This allows you to carry the stand easily in one hand. You can grasp the arc of the Cradle from either side. When you slide your fingers under the Cradle from the Grip Head side, you can hook your middle finger under the opposite end of the rasp section of the Grip Head and gain an additional grip on the stand. Handle Lift and grips Handle carry Varying Grip Head Orientation Relative to Legs The Grip Head has a Standard Position in which it slants downward toward one stand leg. It is recommended that you use your Evo Stand or Work Station with the Grip Head in this position until you are familiar with how to brace it. But the Grip Head can be removed and rotated to 3 other positions. These different positions change how the stand legs are placed under the horse when you are using either the Grip Head or the Hoof Cradle. This offers you different placements for your feet on the stand legs. But when you change the position of the Grip Head you must also change
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 9 your bracing of the stand. Changing Grip Head orientation also alters its alignment with the Height Selector frame. When the Grip Head and Frame are parallel, access to the Height Selector can be more difficult. It is easiest to remove the Grip Head by pushing its mounting pin out with your thumb, rather than pulling on the ring. Push pin with thumb, then pull out Rotating Grip Head changes alignment with Height Selector 4 directions of orientation for slant of Grip Head relative to legs: Standard Position Reverse Standard 90 degrees to Standard Position Photos below show stand with Cradle up, as it would be next to you, under the horse, with the sole of the hoof facing the top of the photo & the horse s leg in the direction of the green arrow. Stand leg positions change relative to orientation of the Grip Head on top of the Inner Stand Shaft. Note the different possible placements of your feet on the stand legs. Grip Head in Standard Position Reverse Standard 90 degrees to Standard #1 90 degrees to Standard #2 Using the WS-1 Standard Work Station Tool Caddy The WS-1 Standard Caddy is designed to carry a full set of hoof care tools. You can use the tubes as suites you best. Below are the recommended uses: Large Standard Caddy parts: CT: Center Tube fits over 1 Outer Shaft A. Hoof Nippers (or Hoof Buffer) B. Hoof Buffer (or Nippers etc.) C. Flat Hoof Rasp D. Flat Hoof Rasp E. Hoof Knife F. Sole Rasp G. Hole Rasp H. Radius Rasp Magnet Mounting Plate Insert your hoof nippers in tube A with the handles pointing downward. It is easiest to grasp them by the nipper head. Insert your flat hoof rasps into tubes C and D with the handles pointing upwards. Use the handles of the rasps to steer the Caddy around the central stand shaft to position your tools where these are easiest to reach while you are working on the hoof. Insert your Sole Rasps into tubes F and G with the central arc of the rasp against the sides of the larger
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 10 tubes, A and B. This position keeps them from sticking outward and getting in your way. Tube E is for your hoof knife. Mount your Radius Rasps on the two sides of the Magnet Mounting Plate s point, part H above. Insert your Hoof Buffer or other tools in tube B. Be sure to watch our videos on how to use your new model Tool Caddy. Standard Caddy w/ trim tools Trim and shoe tools Trim & shoe tools in Caddy Cleaning Caddy When using only one rasp, you have the choice of putting it in either rasp tube, C or D. Remember to use the rasp handles to steer the Caddy around the central shaft so that your tools are where you want them under the horse. You can also reposition the Caddy with the toe of your boot as you work, or push on the tops of your nippers. Nipper pull Rasp steer turning Caddy Tool access under horse Using the Sizing Insert Tube to adjust tool angle and Radius Rasp Magnet Mounting Plate The On-Board Mini Wire Brush that comes with your Caddy has many uses: Wire Brush in Caddy Wire brush pull Wire brush used to clean Hoof Buffer belt, Grip Head, Sole Rasp
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 11 Using the WS-2 Shorty Work Station Tool Caddy This version of the Tool Caddy is a more compact version made especially to fit the Shorty Evo Hoof Stand. You can use the tubes as suites you best. Below are the recommended uses: Shorty Caddy Parts: CT: Center Tube fits over 1 Stand Shaft A. Hoof Nippers B. Hoof Buffer (or other tools) C. Flat Hoof Rasp E. Hoof Knife F. Sole Rasp H. Radius Rasp and Hoof Cradle Extension Magnet Mounting Plate I: Position for Hoof Cradle Extension Magnet Insert your hoof nippers in tube A with the handles pointing downward. It is easiest to grasp them by the nipper head. Insert your flat hoof rasp into tube C with the handle pointing upwards. Use the handle of the rasp to steer the Caddy around the central stand shaft to position your tools where these are easiest to reach while you are working on the hoof. Insert your Sole Rasp tang down into tube F with the central arc of the rasp against the sides of the larger tube A. This position keeps it from sticking outward and getting in your way. Mount your Radius Rasps on the two sides of the Magnet Mounting Plate, part H above. Keep the flat Hoof Cradle Extension magnet positioned to one side of the bend in the Radius Rasp Mounting Plate and secure the Cradle Extension to it so it conforms to the bend of the Radius Rasp Magnet Plate. Caution: Remember that this powerful magnet is not a toy! Keep it away from children. Shorty Caddy tool array Trim tools in Caddy Radius Rasps on Mounting Plate w/ Hoof Cradle Extension between Using the Sizing Insert Tube to raise the angle of your tools Cleaning Caddy by turning it upside down Sole Rasp & Hoof Buffer Position in Shorty Caddy: Because of the Shorty Caddy s lower height, the Sole Rasp can sometimes catch on the stand legs and interfere with Caddy rotation. Be sure to insert the Sole Rasp in its tube pointed end first and at an angle, as shown below. If you encounter interference between your Hoof Buffer and the Height Adjustment Selector, you can use the Sizing Insert Tube to alter the position of the Hoof Buffer.
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 12 Correct Sole Rasp Position & Incorrect Hoof Buffer position change using Sizing Tube Mounting the Tool Caddy on Evo Hoof Stands The Work Stations come with Tool Caddies mounted on the 1 square outer stand shaft. However, if you purchase a Tool Caddy separately to convert your Evo Hoof Stand to a Complete Work Station, this is easily done. First you must remove the Push / Pull Height Adjustment Selector from the 1 stand shaft. To remove the Height Selector frame, push the white plastic stop up from the bottom and pull out from the top. Remove the! Inner Stand Shaft. Then grasp the 3/8 Plunger Rod and pull it to outward to compress the spring around it inside of the frame. Fully compress the spring so you can disengage the selector pin and lift the frame up off of the 1 Outer Stand Shaft. Keep track of all 4 parts do not lose the spring! See video of this process on our website. Push Stop up from bottom to remove Remove Inner Shaft Use pliers to hold spring back & lift frame off Before you install the Caddy, be sure to position the green plastic Base Buffer over the 1 Outer Stand Shaft. This part protects both the bottom of the Caddy and makes it rotate more smoothly. Place Base Buffer over Shaft Slide Caddy over Stand Shaft Replace Height Selector push Stop in firmly! If you are installing a Shorty Caddy, transfer the Cradle Extension Magnet from the Outer Shaft of your Evo Stand to the right side of the bend in the Radius Rasp Mounting Plate:
Work Station and Evo Hoof Stand Instructions 8-11-13 p. 13 Take Care of you New Evo Hoof Stand or Work Station! We have done our best to make a sturdy, reliable tool for you. The steel parts have all been electrically plated with zinc to resist rust and corrosion. However, the zinc coating itself will oxidize and deteriorate if it is not kept clean and dry. Moisture and corrosive liquids are the enemy of steel and zinc. Your stand comes with a coating of light rust inhibiting oil. To keep it shiny you must occasionally clean and dry it, then apply a coat of rust inhibitor such as WD 40 to all its parts. Spray the oil on and wipe with a clean cloth. Be sure to oil the legs and stand base, as these are most exposed to dirt, friction, and moisture. Also oil all parts of the Height Selector, the Hoof Cradle, and the Grip Head including the inside of the 1 square socket on the Grip Head. Occasionally remove the legs and oil the surfaces that are bolted tight against the round base of the stand. Your Tool Caddy is made of solid aluminum tubing, thus it will not rust. It has been painted with a heavy-duty layer of powder coat paint. With use this paint will wear or chip. If you want to keep the paint in good condition you can order a bottle of touch up paint from us. With proper care your stand will remain bright for years to come. Remove plastic stop Lightly oil surfaces Wipe off excess oil Occasionally disassemble parts --- oil thoroughly and wipe off excess oil with a clean cloth There are even more details to learn about using your new hoof support device. So be sure to see the full video instructions for Evo Hoof Stands and Hoof Care Workstations Online at www.evohoofcare.com Evolve Your Hoof Care With tools from Evolutionary Hoof Care