Pocket knives for equine practitioners

Abstract

Similar to a Swiss Army knife, this INOX horseman's knife is made in Germany and includes a sturdy hoof pick. I've used all of the blades except for the corkscrew. Stainless Steel. May be ordered from Calabasas Saddlery, Calabasas, CA. Every person working around horses should have a sharp pocket knife with them at all times. Beyond the ordinary tasks pocket knives are used for, such a tool can be life-saving when working around an animal as unpredictable and flighty as the horse. Once, many years ago, I saved myself with a sharp knife when entangled in a rope attached to a panicky horse. On a more recent occasion a stallion threw himself in a horse trailer while I was treating another horse at a stable. As the stallion was tied in the trailer with a chain, I probably prevented a broken neck by cutting his halter loose with my pocket knife. I have even done an emergency tracheostomy on a calf with a pocket knife. Pocket knives with hoof picks attached are a rarity, but over the years I acquired several of these, and I used them constantly in practice. Not having to go back to my vehicle for a hoof pick saved me many steps and a lot of time. There are a couple of other horseman's knives on the market which have, in addition to a blade and a pick, and perhaps a punch, screwdriver and bottle opener, such tools as a hoof knife, a saw, etc. Such a knife may be useful for Irail riding and pack trips, but are probably too bulky to be practical for the equine practitioner to carry at all times. The knives illustrated are light enough to be carried comfortably in the pocket.