What Is Flat Shod?

Flat shod walking horses are a specific type of walking horse, and are regularly shown by riders in both domestic and international show competitions. Tennessee walking horses were originally bred in the deep south. Primarily used for transporting plantation owners across the breadth of their massive estates, these horses are most recognized for their smooth walking gait and calm demeanor around people.

  1. Definition

    • Shod is the past tense of the verb "to shoe" and most commonly refers to fitting shoes onto a horse. Flat shod walking horses represent one particular method and typically only are fit with one shoe, rather than double or triple-layered shoes. According to the Walking Horse Trainer's Assocation, flat shod shoeing rules are broken down into several different sub-categories.

    Sub-categories

    • Flat shod walking horses can be differentiated into several sub-categories. Country pleasure and trail pleasure horses may have shoes that measure a maximum of 3/8 inches thick by 3/4 inches wide. Lite shod and classic pleasure horses should have no greater than 1/2 inch thick by 1 inch wide shoes. Plantation pleasure and lite pleasure round out the group, with a maximum shoe allowance of only 1/2 inch thick by 3/4 inch wide.

    Walking Horses

    • Walking horses are flat shod and are judged in competitions based on their gait (style of walking) and overall demeanor in the hands of the rider. In addition to the competition aspect of the breed, these are typically the types of horses made available to tourists at horse trails and similar attractions. Because they are bred and trained against taking off at a full gallop, walking horses are usually safer for the general public to ride.

    Limitations

    • Flat shod horses are different from other categories of horses in that they not allowed to use pads, tail braces or action devices during competition. Flat shod competitions stress natural movement over pure technique, hence the exclusion of accessories and aids that could influence the horse toward a man-made aesthetic rather than natural gait.