To Shoe or not to Shoe? Is it better for a horse to be shod or barefoot and why?

1/21/2019

Sam

2/7/2019 03:49:36 pm

Shoes are a way to support a horses feet ... just like gym shoes for a person. Depending on the horses hoof condition and the horses job they may or may not be necessary. If the hooves are soft or brittle ... you usually want shoes. If the hooves have the proper amount of moisture and are in good condition (no cracks or abscesses), shoes are probably unnecessary.

Conformation will affect the need for shoes as well, take a club footed horse, a shoe will help him move better as it makes it less stressful on his legs to move.

The need for shoes also depends on the horses job. Horses who are working in strenuous training, on hard or rocky ground, or are required to move a certain way (reiners, gaited horses) will probably require shoes. Horses that work on softer forgiving ground and are not subject to a heavy workload are for the most part of barefoot.

Key point is shoes are a requirement due to hoof condition/shape and the horse's job.

Bob

2/7/2019 04:34:07 pm

A lot of folks have become zealots about barefoot trims and they insistshoes are evil. Or they say it's not natural to be shod. Well neither is eating pelleted food and sleeping in a box stall. It comes down to providing your horse with a safe and comfortable means to do their job. Like a professional athlete or a tradesman selects the best footwear for their occupation, it's vital to make the same choice for your horse. Don't decide because you have a very vocal friend who swears by barefoot trims. Ask an expert. Does you farrier have to correct issues over and over? Ask a trainer to watch your horse's movement. Often there are measures that your trainer can suggest about foot health and maintenance that improve your horse's movement and comfort. Short answer about shoeing? It depends

Sam is the head Author

Sam is a Mustang gelding. He is here to help horse people answer questions from the horses perspective. He is open to any and all topics as he will gladly refer to some of his friends in order to best answer any questions. We will cover anything and everything from training ideas for various disciplines, nutrition, farrier care, veterinary care, breeding, bloodlines, conformation, horse tack and supplies, stable supplies, and anything else horse related.

To Shoe or not to Shoe? Is it better for a horse to be shod or barefoot and why?

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