The Importance of Shoeing Draft Horses

If you own a draft horse, you have undoubtedly thought about proper foot care, including whether to shoe your horse. Despite the massive size of draft horses, you may be surprised to know that many of the same rules that apply to shoeing other horses also apply to the draft horse: It depends on the health of the hoof and your horse's job. Your horse's overall comfort and well-being are the most important considerations.

  1. Traditional Draft Horse Work

    • Draft horses were important and highly valued before motorized vehicles.

      The draft horse, which includes several breeds, was and is bred for strength and work. Before the Industrial Revolution, working people depended on draft horses for pulling, plowing, clearing land and other important labors. They were a basic and necessary source of public transportation.

    The Modern Draft Horse

    • Draft horses are still employed or shown.

      Some smaller farm operations, as well as Amish and Mennonite farmers, still use draft horses for operations. Companies that offer buggy, wagon or carriage rides commonly employ draft horses for that heavy work. There are many sporthorse competitions just for draft horses, competing in such events as driving. The owner of a draft cross -- a draft horse bred with another, usually lighter breed -- might compete in any horse competition for which the horse is suited.

    Reasons to Shoe a Draft Horse

    • Your horse's work load is an indicator of whether it needs shoes.

      If your draft horse engages in heavy work, such as pulling, that means a lot of wear on its feet. Particularly if the ground is hard, or your horse works on pavement, such as with buggy horses, the stress can affect not only the horse's feet but also its tendons and limbs. Your horse may also need traction in bad weather or need to be shod in a particular way for show purposes. Even the weight of a large draft horse can be difficult for its feet to bear, in which case shoeing may be recommended.

    Reasons to Keep a Draft Horse Barefoot

    • The only reason to put shoes on any horse, including a draft, is if the horse needs it. As long as a bare hoof does not crack or chip, or the horse is not sensitive with a bare foot, keeping the hoof bare is actually healthier overall. Some horse owners will pull shoes off if the horse has an extended layup when it is not working, such as recovering from illness or injury, or just time off from competition. Retired and older horses often go barefoot with no issues.