Why do horses need shoes? What is their purpose?

Content

• What are horse shoes?
• The purpose of horseshoes.
• Should you shoe your horse?
• Are there any risks in wearing shoes?
• Final thoughts.

You may have wondered why horses need shoes and what purpose a horseshoe serves. Like human nails, horse hooves grow continuously, and in the wild, they are naturally degraded by the terrain they live on. Domestic horses need joints to protect their hooves from rough surfaces not encountered in the wild, such as concrete.

Not all horses need shoes, and the big question is whether your horse needs them and whether they are harmful to your horse. In this article, we will look at why some horses need shoes and others not, what horse shoes are made of and what their purpose is. Let's begin!

What are horse shoes?

Horse shoes are U-plates that fit over your horses hooves. They are usually made of iron or steel  but sometimes rubber or aluminium, and are used to protect your horse's hooves from surfaces hard. Horse shoes are fitted by a farrier, a specialist in equine foot anatomy who makes custom horse shoes and trims your horses hooves. Shoes are nailed to the outside of your horses hooves, but don't worry! The outer part of your horse's hooves does not feel painful and the shoes do not hurt your horse.

Different types of horseshoes are used for specific purposes, such as sports or horses with specific conditions, including rim shoes, trailer shoes and square shoes.

The purpose of horseshoes

There are many reasons to shoe your horse, including protecting their hooves from damage, improving traction and preventing injury. This is especially true for horses that make repeated movements with their feet in events such as dressage and show.

Wild horses' hooves are naturally maintained as they trudge through miles of varied terrain every day, but domestic horses need shoes and regular trimming to keep their hooves comfortable and pain-free. Of course, it also depends on the individual horse, and less athletic horses will require less maintenance. Depending on your horse's activity level, they will need a hoof trim every 4-8 weeks, and unbalanced hooves can be disastrous for your horse.

That said, there is controversy surrounding shoeing practice, and there are some horsemen who believe that horses shouldn't wear shoes—they say that if your horse's shoes are trimmed and kept properly There is no need. Although it has been proven that shoeing does not cause any pain or stress to most horses, some people still believe that the practice is inhumane.

Should you shoe your horse?

Whether to shoe your horse depends largely on the individual horse and what the animal is being used for. Pleasure horses, for example, don't necessarily need shoes, and routine grooming and grooming are just fine for them.

That said, some horses have diseases or conditions that require the use of shoes to relieve pain, while others may have natural defects, such as flat hooves or muscle problems that shoes can help with. . In addition, horses that carry heavy weights need regular shoes to prevent their hooves from coming down too quickly, and so horses need extra traction in mud, snow, or ice.

Regardless of whether your horse needs shoes, they still require regular care, as domestic horses do not experience the conditions that would naturally wear their hooves.

Are there any risks in wearing shoes?

Shoeing your horse is more expensive than regular trimming, and there are definitely some risks involved. There is always a chance of misplacing the shoe when fitting, which can cause pain and discomfort later on. Also, your horse may accidentally remove a shoe from their hoof, potentially injuring a muscle or tendon or even tearing the hoof wall.

However, most farriers are experts who are extremely dedicated to their job, and there is little risk with an experienced farrier. Shoeing and letting your horse go barefoot have both risks and benefits, and in the end, it's what's best for the horse that matters.

Final thoughts

While domestic horses don't necessarily need shoes, they definitely need regular trimming and care of their hooves. Whether you decide to shoe your horse, it's important to find a good farrier that you trust.

There are many reasons and benefits to shoeing your horse, and they can help extend the life of your horse's hooves and protect them. There are some drawbacks besides cost, and if your horse is carrying a heavy load, being used for trail riding, or participating in equestrian sports, most experts agree that shoes are essential. .