Hot Vs. Cold Shoeing

"Shoeing" refers to the process of fitting a horseshoe onto the hoof of a horse. The process is not as simple as it sounds, and the shoe often needs slight adjustments in order to fit properly.

  1. Hot Shoeing

    • This method involves using a hot shoe to make a mark on the sole of the horse's hoof. The mark then shows how the shoe is currently fitting and what adjustments must be made to make it fit properly. These adjustments are made separately from the horse.

    Cold Shoeing

    • The process of cold shoeing skips heating the shoe and making a mark, and the farmer instead makes the needed adjustments while fitting the shoe on the hoof. He does this by hammering cold iron.

    Differences

    • Both processes require great skill to perform properly, and neither is considered a superior method. A farmer may want to use the hot method so that he can make the adjustments with a red-hot shoe rather than a cold one. However, some horses cannot tolerate the hot method and should be shoed with the cold method.