Hoof Tester 13" Stainless Steel Equine Tool: Hoof testers have been a part of the farrier and veterinarian toolbox for many years. There are some basic parts to the hoof testers. The reins are what you hold in your hands; the jaws are the area that goes against the foot; and the stops, located at the base of the jaws, prevent the tips of the jaws from hitting each other. Hoof testers are large steel pincers designed to apply focal pressure to specific areas of the hoof. The primary goal in a hoof tester examination is to test for a pain response, usually indicated by the horse as a withdrawal of the limb. Additional information including the deformability or malleability of the tissues of the hoof, and hoof texture, is also gained from this diagnostic.