Is shoeing necessary, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of putting shoes on horses?

Since horseshoes are a universal symbol of good luck, even those who have never ridden before can usually recognize one. These unassuming pieces of metal, however, are much more than just good luck charms for equestrians: they are a tool that can protect and improve a horse's feet and hooves, enabling them to engage in all types of work, from hacking to carriage pulling.

But why do horses require shoes in the first place, and are they required for all horses? There isn't a particularly right or wrong answer; for the majority of horse owners, it's a personal choice. Everything depends on the horse's requirements, the type of work the animal is doing, and the owner's preferences.

In this article, we'll go into more detail about this issue and respond to some frequently asked questions about the functions of horseshoes and the fitting process. We'll consider:

What are hoof-prints?

A man-made U-shaped plate known as a horseshoe serves to protect and accentuate a horse's hooves. They have been utilized for centuries to enable domesticated horses to perform various types of work. The term "shod horse" refers to a horse with shoes, while "unshod" or "barefoot" is used to describe a horse.

The shoes are typically made of metals like steel or aluminum, but they can also be made of rubber, plastic, or even copper. Most frequently, nails are used to attach the horseshoe to the palmar (ground) side of the hoof. The horse won't suffer any more harm from the nails as long as the farrier is skilled than you would if you used a pair of nail clippers to trim your own nails. When only momentary protection is required, the shoe may occasionally be glued on instead.

The purpose of horse shoes

Horses wear shoes primarily to strengthen, protect, and delay the premature deterioration of the hooves and feet. Similar to our fingernails and toenails, a horse's hooves will continue to grow if they are not trimmed. As wild horses travel from one location to another over harsh, arid terrain, they gradually wear down their hooves. However, due to the additional weight and stress, domesticated working horses who pull a carriage, carry passengers, or otherwise carry a heavy load frequently experience faster hoof wear than they would in the wild. Horseshoes can strengthen and add durability to the hoof, preventing premature deterioration.

Additionally, the shoes can offer additional protection against injury on rough or rocky terrain and can prevent the hooves from weakening due to wet or muddy ground in humid climates. The additional cushioning and safety that shoeing provides may also be advantageous for horses competing in high-impact events like racing, jumping, or cross-country.

Horseshoes can be used for a variety of purposes in addition to hoof protection. They may also be employed in certain situations for the following factors:

• To increase traction: Shoeing can help a horse gain additional stability and grip on slippery surfaces or in bad weather, particularly in muddy or wet conditions. Additionally, specialized horseshoes can be installed to add stability in icy conditions.
• To increase balance: Some horses may have trouble with balance. When additional hoof capsule support is required, a skilled farrier can help correct the issue by corrective shoeing.
• For medical reasons: Some horses may have illnesses like laminitis, arthritis, or ringbone that weaken their hoof and foot structures. In these circumstances, shoeing can offer additional support, assisting in maintaining the horse's comfort and allowing him to safely return to work.

Additionally, the performance of horses in specific types of work can be enhanced by the use of horseshoes. For instance, a show pony working in a soft arena will require a more robust shoe than a Clydesdale horse pulling a carriage on a hard tarmacked road. A skilled farrier will be able to design a shoe that fits the horse's breed and type of work.

Do all horses require footwear?

Most horse owners and trainers disagree on whether or not all horses need to wear shoes, and the issue is somewhat divisive. Shoeing has benefits and drawbacks, and what is effective for one horse may not be for another. Briefly stated: It really depends on the situation and the person you are asking.

Not all equestrians agree on which horses should wear shoes and when, and the decision to shoe or not to shoe is largely a personal one. Some riders and trainers contend that horses should almost always wear shoes because it offers the best protection for their feet while working. Additionally, they might contend that shod horses perform better or are more sound overall.

Some equestrian authorities contend that shoeing isn't always necessary, particularly for horses used for pleasure. Instead, they contend that routine care and upkeep, along with high-quality nutrition, ought to be sufficient to enable a horse to engage in almost any type of work while remaining sound and healthy. Some proponents of going barefoot even oppose wearing shoes during surgical or corrective procedures.

Others adopt a more nuanced viewpoint, contending that everything depends on the type of work the horse is doing. For instance, some riders might discover that barefoot horses are sounder and more agile when training in the area, but they might still prefer to give the hooves additional protection when out hacking on more challenging terrain. Shoeing is the better choice because horses in high-impact events or those working on harder surfaces, like cross-country eventing or on hard tarmacked roads and pavements, may require more protection and traction.

Even if a horse wears no shoes at all or occasionally, their hooves still require routine care and maintenance. If care is not taken, a horse's hooves will continue to grow, similar to how our nails do. Therefore, to keep the hooves in good condition, they must be trimmed. Only wild horses are able to go without any trimming because domestic horses' hooves wear out over time from constant use on challenging terrain.

Any horse lover or equestrian enthusiast will naturally be passionate about caring for their equine companions, so the topic of whether or not horses need shoes can be quite an emotional one. However, the general consensus is that it varies depending on the situation, environment, and type of work the horse is doing. Therefore, it is the owner's responsibility to decide in consultation with their veterinarian or another qualified individual to ensure they are making an informed choice that considers the specific needs of the horse.

Do racing horses require shoes?

Although racehorses are not required to wear shoes in order to compete, the majority of them will be shod when racing. Racehorses typically run on softer surfaces, such as turf or dirt tracks, but they still strike the ground violently. It's crucial that their feet are adequately shielded from the impact as a result, which is why the majority wear shoes.

Since aluminum shoes are lighter than traditional steel shoes while still providing excellent foot protection, many racehorses run in them. A horse's speed and stride can be greatly affected by removing a small amount of shoe weight because winning a race can depend on a fraction of a second. The majority of owners choose nailed-on shoes, but some owners prefer glue-on versions instead, which are lighter and easier to reset.

The benefits and drawbacks of shoeing horses

There are arguments for and against shoeing, as we have already discussed. But who are they exactly? We've listed the main benefits and drawbacks of shoeing a horse here so you can weigh your options and make the best choice possible.

Advantages of shoeing

• Protection: Shoes strengthen and add durability, protecting the hooves. This can lessen the chance of injury when riding on rough terrain or doing strenuous work.
• Slower rate of wear: Shoes can stop hooves from deteriorating too quickly, which is beneficial for horses engaged in work that requires heavy lifting or pulling carriages.
• Enhanced performance: Some equestrians discover that shoeing improves their horse's performance. Shoes may also help horses perform better in high-impact competitions like high-level jumping or cross-country work.
• Corrective shoeing can be used to address issues with balance or other aspects of a horse's gait and stride. Additionally, shoeing can be used to fix cracks or chips in the hoof.
• Increased support for horses with health problems: Horses who currently have or have had laminitis, ringbone, or arthritis may benefit from the extra support that shoeing offers.

Drawbacks of shoeing

• Increased risk of injury: Rogue or "hot" nails can hurt the delicate inner part of the hoof if the horse is not properly shoed or the farrier is incompetent. A tendon sprain or damage to the hoof wall could occur if a horse "springs" (loses) a shoe while working.
• Costlier: Shoeing is more expensive than just trimming.

Advantages of walking barefoot

• More cost-effective: Since you won't have to pay for shoes, trimming alone is typically less expensive than having them shod.
• Performance improvement: Some equestrians discover that their horses perform sounder and better when unshod, particularly when doing arena work.
• Some people think that keeping a horse as close to its natural state as possible is healthier and more comfortable because wild horses don't need to wear shoes. However, there is no assurance that all horses will experience this.

Cons of barefoot walking

• Increased risk of injury: Despite the fact that good nutrition and routine hoof care can increase a horse's hoof and sole's strength and resilience, there is still a chance that the horse will sustain a stone bruise or another injury while working. However, this is also true for shod horses; neither choice completely eliminates the risk of harm.
• Unshod horse owners must be extra careful when inspecting, trimming, and generally taking care of the feet and hooves, which can take a lot of time.
• Even for horses accustomed to going barefoot, it might occasionally be necessary to add some extra protection or traction depending on the situation. For instance, when competing or hacking in extremely muddy or wet conditions, or on extremely hard or icy ground, the horse may benefit from having temporary shoes or boots fitted.

How can I tell if shoeing my horse is the right decision?

It is entirely up to you whether or not to shoe your horse. Similar to horseshoes themselves, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so you must adopt a bespoke strategy to meet your horse's needs. Consider all the benefits and drawbacks of wearing shoes and going barefoot before making your choice. You must also consider your own needs and circumstances, keeping in mind the following factors:

• The nature of the work they do at the moment Do they engage in demanding work or rigorous training? Is it likely that the hooves will need to be protected in another way?
• The area they frequently work on Shoeing may be the best choice because walking on tarmac and asphalt will cause the hooves to wear out more quickly and put more strain on the feet. Shoeing may not be necessary because softer surfaces, like grass, are less taxing on the feet.
• The horse's overall health and physical condition Any medical conditions, such as weak legs or balance issues, might call for corrective footwear. Laminitis, arthritis, or ringbone-affected horses may also gain from shoeing.
• The durability of the hooves and feet Some horses will quickly develop cracks or flares in their hooves and wear out their feet, while others may be more resilient.
• The sole's sensitivity Some horses bruise more easily than others.

Additionally, keep in mind that your horse's requirements could alter over time. For instance, if your horse has been off work for a while, you can expect them to have slightly different needs as they gradually increase their fitness. In order to recover or develop leg strength if the horse has been restrained due to an injury, they may also require specialized corrective shoeing.

It is ultimately up to you to determine what will be the healthiest and most efficient course of action because only you have the most intimate knowledge of your horse. You should be able to determine whether to ride shod, unshod, or in a combination of both throughout the year by consulting closely with your veterinarian, trainer or instructor, and a skilled farrier.

What is the name of the person who shoes horses?

A farrier is a person who shoes horses. Making and fitting horseshoes, examining the general condition of the horse's legs, feet, and hooves, and trimming and shaping excessive hoof growth are all part of the farrier's responsibilities. To ensure that the horse is properly balanced and that the shoes are an exact fit, the person shoeing the horse must use their judgment. Additionally, they might collaborate with veterinarians or other equine healthcare specialists to offer surgical farriery or corrective shoeing.

Being a farrier requires extensive training because properly shoeing a horse requires a great deal of skill, strength, and knowledge. A person must be registered with the Farriers' Registration Council (FRC) in order to practice. An aspirant farrier must first complete a four-year apprenticeship with an approved training farrier before they can do this. A farrier must be registered with the FRC in order to fit horseshoes; a blacksmith can also do this.

What takes place throughout the reshoeing procedure

When it's time to replace your horse's shoes, the farrier will remove the old ones and remove the nails with a pair of pincers. Any extra hoof growth will be removed, and it will be shaped as necessary. A skilled farrier will also carefully examine the horse's hooves and feet to make sure the shoes are fitting properly and that it is comfortable and in good health. The shoe is then pounded firmly into place into the non-sensitive portion of the hoof. When done properly, the shoeing procedure does not hurt the animal.

The horseshoes are typically reused by the farrier as long as they are in good condition. However, if they notice a problem that needs fixing, they might decide to re-shape the shoes before resetting them. A new set of horseshoes will be necessary once the current ones have gotten too thin or are worn out around the edges.

A farrier may employ hot or cold shoeing techniques. Cold shoeing involves the farrier bending the metal of the shoe without first heating it to create the desired shape. The farrier will hot shoe by forging the shoe to make it more malleable, allowing it to cool in water, and then applying it to the hoof. Although it takes more time, this approach frequently results in a better fit. In order to facilitate corrective work, the farrier can also alter the shoe by adding toe- or quarter-clips as necessary.

The type of work your horse is doing and the terrain you're riding over will determine how long the shoes may last. For instance, if your horse spends most of his time in the pasture on grass or soft ground rather than very hard ground, stony surfaces, or roads, your shoes may last for several resets.

When should a horse get new shoes?

The frequency of reshoeing a horse will vary depending on a number of variables, such as how quickly their hooves grow and how quickly the horseshoes themselves wear out. Horses typically need to be reset every six weeks or so to maintain optimal foot and hoof health, though individual animal needs may vary.

It's crucial to regularly check a horse's feet and shoes, ideally before and after riding. In some circumstances, a horse may require shoe resetting before the six-week mark. There are several indicators that your horse's shoes may need to be adjusted:

• A shoe has become loose or completely detached.
• Starting to push up from the hoof wall are the nails holding the shoe in place.
• The hoof is beginning to outgrow the shoe, causing the hoof to gradually lose its shape.
• There are nails sticking out of the shoe.
• The shoe has been worn down excessively.
• On the foot, the shoe has "twisted"

In order to have your horse's shoes reset as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with your farrier. It's critical to not ignore the issue because doing so could lead to complications or injuries in the future.

The best course of action will frequently depend on your horse's particular needs when deciding whether or not to shoe your horse. Remember that the information provided here is only meant to serve as a general overview; as such, if you're considering what to do with your own horse or pony, you should first speak with your veterinarian or an expert farrier.

Searching for additional equestrian guides At Horse & Country TV, we offer a wide range of training and education resources from some of the most well-known instructors and subject-matter experts around, including guidance and pointers on eventing, dressage, showjumping, and other disciplines. Additionally, when you sign up for a subscription, you'll have access to a wealth of sports coverage, live events, and the most recent information from the equestrian community. To access all of our equestrian programming and entertainment, subscribe right away.