Choosing A Backsaver Hoof Stand
Which Backsaver Hoof Stand is right for YOU?
Answering this question can depend upon what size horses you trim and what types of ground surface you work on.
Hoof stand sizes:
The HS-1 Backsaver is designed for medium to large horses, or 15-17 hands tall. The HS-2 Backsaver is designed for miniatures, ponies, and larger horses with stiff muscles or joints who have difficulty flexing and raising their legs when using the Hoof Cradle. While most horses over 15 hands can easily extend their legs forward onto the Grip Head of the HS-1, at 15" and above, not all can comfortably rest their hoof in the Hoof Cradle at that height. Thus, the Shorty HS-2 can be useful for Hoof Cradle work on many larger horses. BUT, its lower range for the Grip Head height, 12-14", can be unstable and unsafe for taking the leg forward to rasp the outer hoof wall. At the Shorty's maximum 15" Grip Head height, larger horses can more easily push the stand over or their hoof off the Grip Head. For this reason, to gain the full range of Hoof Cradle use on all sizes of horses, and maintain control of the hoof on the Grip Head, it is recommended to use both sizes of Backsaver, the full-size HS-1 and the Shorty HS-2. We call this the "Pro Combo" as it gives the professional trimmer and farrier the maximum benefits of both Grip Head and Hoof Cradle functions.
   |
For the owner-trimmer who has a horse under 15 hands tall, the Shorty HS-2 will probably serve well. For those trimming larger horses, the HS-1 would be the first choice, with the Shorty as a useful extension of Backsaver functions for small and stiff-legged horses.
Hoof stand bases:
The two options for a Backsaver base are the low-profile 3-Leg and the aluminum disc Round Base. The two have some different advantages. The 3-Leg base is more stable on uneven ground surfaces and allows you to brace your foot and leg with your heel on the ground between the legs while keeping the toe of your boot on one leg. The Round Base allows you to put the toe of your boot anywhere around the stand but gives you somewhat less leverage when bracing your heel against the ground. The legs on the 3-Leg base extend out 10" from the center stand shaft. The Round Base has a diameter of 14.5", so its outer edge is 7.25" out from the center stand shaft. The greater distance of the legs allows you to place your feet farther out from the center shaft when bracing. However, the continuous contact of the Round Base circumference with the ground surface gives it great stability. So, the 3-leg base is more stable on rough surfaces and allows your to place your legs farther apart when bracing. The aluminum Round Base allow you to put your foot anywhere around it and is about 1 lb. lighter than the 3 steel legs.
   |
Remember that the 3-leg and Round Bases are interchangeable. Both mount on the bottom of the stand with the same bolt and 3-arm base brace. So, you can actually change, or use both types of base on the same Backsaver stand. Leg sets and Round Bases are available for purchase as separate items.
Tool Caddies:
The idea of carrying your tools on your hoof stand can seem awkward to many trimmers. However, with the right design of tool caddy it can increase the speed of your work flow and save you the stress of constantly reaching for tools in a separate tool box. I first introduced a hoof stand tool caddy in the 1980s. I have not carried a tool box for over 30 years, either for barefoot trimming or shoeing. Over time, the caddy design has evolved to the present ones. There are two: the TC-1 for the full-size HS-1 stands, and a mini version TC-2, for the Shorty HS-2. The aluminum TC-1 has two 3x3" rectangular cups with reversible and removable dividers, a rasp socket, a 1.5" square steel tube that can hold a knife and a magnetic. That totals 7 tool positions. But you can get more tools than that in it. It easily carries a full compliment of trimming or shoe nailing tools. The TC-1 can be expanded by the addition of two 3x3" Add-On Tool Cups, which come with spring clips for easy mounting and dismounting, reversible and removable dividers, and a steel plate for holding magnetic tools. These Add-On cups are useful for carrying medication bottle and other specialty tools when needed. I have mine mounted on my TC-1 at all times. So everything I need is always immediately in reach as I trim.
The TC-1 design is mounted on the stand shaft at an angle and easily rotates 360 degrees. This orients all your tools to one side of the stand. You steer the caddy around the stand with your rasp handle, turning it toward or away from you as you need. The Flip-up Hoof Cradle makes it easy to carry both Backsaver and Tool Caddy in one hand as you work around a horse. You never have to twist your back reaching for a tool box. But -- do you need one? I can only tell you this: I like it so much I guarantee you will if you give it a serious trial. It has 7 tool positions so can hold a full array of trimming tools. If you need more positions for shoeing tools or medications, you can expand it with the Add-on Tool Cups that easily mount and dismount with spring clips.
The TC-2 caddy is designed to hold your hoof nippers and hoof rasp at a low angle on bar magnets. This keeps the tools out of your way, yet still in easy reach. It also has the 1.5" steel tube to hold a knife and mount a Radius Rasp magnet on. If you also have a full-size HS-1 with a TC-1 Tool Caddy, then there you do not need the TC-2 on your Shorty HS-2. Just carry your tools on the HS-1 and use the Shorty when needed, getting your tools from the larger stand. That is how I trim most of the time.
