Do horses really need shoes? It’s a question many horse owners ponder. For insights, we turn to expert farrier Karen McMann. With 17 years of full-time experience and a graduate of the Canadian School of Horseshoeing, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge to the topic of equine hoof care. Serving on the Advisory Board of Equi-Health Canada and Equi-First Aid USA, her expertise in hoof health is highly respected. Let’s delve into her perspective on whether horses truly need shoes.
The Natural Hoof and the Impact of Shoes
Karen McMann shares her observations: “In my experience, horses that have never worn shoes often exhibit healthier feet.” She highlights the natural mechanics of a horse’s hoof: designed to expand and contract with each step, facilitating crucial blood circulation. This natural flexing acts as a pump, vital for hoof health. Think of our own need to stretch fingers and toes to promote blood flow. Optimal blood circulation translates to healthier hooves, and as the saying goes, “No foot, no horse.” Shoes, however, can impede this natural flexing mechanism.
Farrier performing routine hoof trimming on a horse, a key aspect of hoof care when considering whether horses need shoes.
When Horses Do Need Shoes: Key Reasons
Despite the benefits of barefoot hooves, Karen acknowledges situations where shoes become necessary. She identifies three primary reasons:
Protection
“If a horse’s hooves are wearing down faster than they grow, shoes should be considered for protection,” Karen advises. Excessive wear can stem from various factors, including the horse’s conformation, movement patterns, or the environment they inhabit and work in. If these underlying causes can’t be addressed, shoes offer a protective barrier against excessive hoof wear and maintain hoof integrity.
Traction
Traction is another key reason for shoeing, particularly for working horses navigating challenging terrains. Horses working in forestry or similar demanding environments often benefit from shoes equipped with ice nails or borium to enhance grip. Similarly, specialized shoes like those with corks for jumpers or heel calks for racehorses are designed to provide specific traction advantages for athletic performance.
Therapeutic Uses
The therapeutic application of shoes presents a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging that proper trimming can aid conditions like laminitis and navicular disease, Karen expresses reservations about certain therapeutic shoeing practices. Wedge pads, for instance, while sometimes used, can cover the sole and restrict oxygen flow, potentially weakening the hoof over time, similar to how prolonged bandaging can affect human skin health.
However, Karen also points out essential therapeutic scenarios where shoes prove invaluable. Foals born with limb deformities can benefit from wedged shoes to aid in straightening during growth. Furthermore, horses with severely compromised hooves, such as some high-level jumpers, might require shoes to provide a base for silicone hoof reconstruction. In cases of structural hoof weaknesses, like cracks originating from the coronary band, shoes can offer necessary support and prevent further damage, even if the horse isn’t overtly lame.
Deciding if Your Horse Needs Shoes: Questions to Consider
When faced with the decision of whether to shoe your horse, Karen recommends self-reflection through these key questions:
- What is the quality of my horse’s feet? Are the hoof walls robust with concave soles, or are they prone to chipping with flat soles? This assesses the natural resilience and structure of the hooves.
- What kind of work is my horse doing and how often? Is the horse engaged in strenuous activities like barrel racing, or light tasks like gentle bareback rides? The intensity and frequency of work significantly impact hoof wear.
- What kind of footing is my horse living and working in? Is it soft, lush grass, or abrasive environments like sand, clay, or rocky riverbeds? The terrain plays a crucial role in hoof condition and wear rate.
Your answers to these questions will provide valuable direction. However, for personalized advice, Karen emphasizes the importance of consulting your farrier. “Your farrier is best positioned to assess your horse’s individual hoof needs and environment,” she concludes, highlighting the value of professional expertise in making informed decisions about shoeing.
