<\/span><\/h2>\nA horse’s natural hoof material grows about 1\/4 inch per month, so a good farrier trims it back regularly like getting a haircut. Just like how our fingernails keep growing, hooves do too if left untrimmed.<\/p>\n
Untrimmed, unattended hooves can overgrow and distort their shape within months. Then you got a horse who may struggle to walk sound or even become lame as things shift out of whack. Not a pretty picture, let me tell ya!<\/p>\n
Proper shoeing stretches out how long a horse’s natural hoof capsules last before replacement becomes necessary. Farriers carefully level and shape worn areas while retaining as much healthy hoof material as possible each reset.<\/p>\n
Good shoes preserve that expensive natural hoof stock by functioning as an extra layer of highly durable protection. Compare shod feet that stay fresh for months versus bare feet wearing down to the quick within weeks – makes good financial sense too if you do the math!<\/p>\n
Keeping on a regular trimming and shoeing schedule ensures your horse’s hooves stay healthy, balanced and functioning as the strong foundation they were designed to be. That translates to longevity in your horse’s working career with sound feet they can depend on.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, regular professional shoeing by a qualified farrier is non-negotiable for any horse’s wellbeing. Their feet are too valuable an asset to neglect, so find a good smith and treat ’em right!<\/strong><\/p>\nFun fact: A champion racehorse may have four new custom shoes applied every 5 days of hard training to keep their feet in tip-top shape for racing! Now that’s dedication.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Different Shoe Types for Various Needs<\/span><\/h2>\nFarriers have a whole toolbox of specialized shoe types to suit different requirements.<\/p>\n
For example, plain steel shoes provide basic protection without extras.<\/p>\n
Keg shoes feature a narrow heel for enhanced breakover if a horse is base-narrow.<\/p>\n
Bar shoes add a supportive heart bar along the back of the hoof for extra stability.<\/p>\n
Eggbar shoes resemble a closed oval for maximum support of a founder-prone foot.<\/p>\n
Aluminum shoes are lighter for competition horses prone to fatigue.<\/p>\n
Hunter shoes have slick bottoms and short toes for improved traction in the show ring.<\/p>\n
Shoe pads can be hot-fitted to shoes, made of various materials like borium, trail-grip, or silicone.<\/p>\n
Therapeutic shoes come with special pads, wedges or pivots inserted for specific hoof corrections.<\/p>\n
Horses in extremely wet climates may get caulked racing plates with extra-deep traction.<\/p>\n
Track shoes for racing feature minimal nails and toe grabs for maximum speed.<\/p>\n