Extension for Real Life

Why Do Horses Wear Shoes?

If you’ve ever wondered why horses wear shoes, never fear! Dr. Clay Cavinder is here to explain and answer other common questions related to equine footwear.

Q: Why do horses wear shoes?

A: Horses wear shoes to protect their feet from various types of surfaces that may cause them to be sore if barefoot (i.e., gravel, concrete, etc.). Shoes provide stability to the hoof and cause it to maintain structural integrity while also giving traction on various surfaces. Also, horses who may have lameness issues that would limit their performance capability can be assisted with the use of shoes.

Q: Are there multiple types of horseshoes?

A: There are multiple types of shoes depending on performance need (sliders vs. typical keg shoes) or discipline of the horse (Saddlebreds vs. stock type breeds, etc.). Also, there are other additions to shoes, such as wedges and pads, that assist with supporting the horse in case of problems like navicular disease.

Q: How are their shoes put on?

A: Shoes are simply put on by driving a nail through the hoof’s non-sensitive structure.  This doesn’t hurt the horse as long as we don’t get into the sensitive part of the nail. It is much like how we can trim our own nails without causing pain.

Q: How are horse hooves cleaned?

A: A hoof is cleaned on a routine basis by the horse owner using a hoof pick. This simply cleans packed dirt, mud, stones, or other debris from around the frog of the foot. On the other hand, a farrier––a professional who specializes in hoof care––cleans the inside and bottom part of the hoof by the additional use of a hoof knife. The farrier will use the hoof knife to carve away older or dead soft parts of the hoof’s frog and to clean the top surface of the sole of the foot. Again, it is much like trimming a person’s nails.