Completing job by filing and polishing After the general shaping of the hoof and trimming of the sole is completed to your satisfaction, file the rough edges off with a rasp. The rasp also may be used to remove the coarse ridges in the hoof and the scale from the dewclaws. If dewclaws are extra long, use the hoof nippers to clip them to desired length. A smooth finish can be produced with emery cloth or sandpaper and a paint scraper. Use the scraper to remove rough ridges made by the rasp and the natural ridges grown in the hoof.
Emery cloth is excellent to put the finishing touches on the hoof and dewclaws.
Finally, some fine pomace powder mixed with a light-grade oil and placed in a cloth bag makes a good tool to give polish and bloom to a hoof. This acts only as a polisher and cannot be expected to remove rough spots. Wipe off excess oil with a soft cloth. Hoof trimming is not an easy job. It cannot be satisfactorily performed the day of the show.