What tool is utilized to open nail holes on a shoe?

The pritchel is specifically designed for opening nail holes in a horseshoe. It is a pointed tool that helps create or enlarge the holes where the nails will go, ensuring proper placement of the nails during the shoeing process. This tool is essential for farriers as it allows for a more precise and efficient application of horseshoes, fostering both the health of the horse's hooves and the effectiveness of the shoe itself.

In contrast, the other tools listed serve different functions: a pry bar is typically used to leverage or pry objects apart, such as removing old shoes or manipulating nails. A rasp is used for filing down surfaces, particularly to shape the hoof or the shoe, while a nail puller is designed to remove nails rather than create or adjust nail holes. Each tool has its specific purpose in the farrier's toolkit, but the pritchel uniquely addresses the need for making nail holes effectively.