Proper Horseshoeing

The old saying, "no hoof no horse" is as appropriate today as it was 200 years ago. Without a sound foot, your horse will not only be unusable but also potentially fatally wounded. A horse who cannot stand is a horse whose life is in danger. Proper horseshoeing is the foundation of a healthy horse hoof.

  1. Angles

    • One important aspect of proper horseshoeing is trimming the hoof to the proper angles. The forefeet should be at an angle approximately 45 degrees from the ground, and the rear hooves should meet the ground at a 50-degree angle. The length of both the front and rear hooves should be the same.

    Barefoot or Shod

    • A favorite argument among horse people is the relative benefits of shod versus unshod. There are few benefits to a shod hoof under most circumstances. A healthy hoof wall can withstand the rigors of most leisure riding. Horses in heavy performance sports such as jumping, however, will benefit from the shock-absorbing protection that shoes can offer. In any case, shoes must be the proper size and changed often to avoid constricting a growing hoof.

    Timing

    • Mark your calendar to ensure that hooves do not become overgrown and the inner hoof tissues remains healthy. Your horse should see their farrier at least every eight weeks. In between those times, you can maintain foot health during daily grooming by cleaning the hoof thoroughly and, if needed, applying a hoof-conditioning salve.

    Spotting Trouble

    • Watch your horse move. Have him walked away from you and then back again and see that his feet land squarely on the ground with each step. None of the feet should hit another or another leg as he walks. Check the size of the shoe. Pick up your horse's foot and see that the hoof wall is in line with the metal shoe covering.

      Keep an eye out for pain during the first 24 to 48 hours after shoeing. Any sensitivity of the hoof should be suspect. If necessary, pull the shoes from sore feet to prevent further injury or pain. Watch for sudden changes in abilities. If your normally balanced and agile horse starts tripping or stumbling all of a sudden, you can suspect faulty shoeing.