About Horse Shoes

Horseshoes are nearly as old as equines themselves. For hundreds of years, owners have utilized various types of footwear to cushion and support their horses' feet, extending the horses' lives and usefulness. Horseshoes have evolved over time from crude lumps of steel, and are now made from a wide variety of materials. Horseshoes are used by farmers, ranchers and other equine enthusiasts around the world, and are an essential part of ownership and proper health care.

History

The horseshoe has been around in one form or another for as long as humans have owned horses. The ancient Romans are thought to have developed the predecessor to the modern nailed horseshoe with the hipposandal. The hipposandal was a large, flat piece of heavy metal that was strapped to the hoof to prevent excess wear and damage to the sole. The earliest record of modern nailed shoes is noted in horses of the Crusades in the late 11th century. Nailed shoes are still the most popular form of horseshoe, although they have become much lighter and easier to use.

Significance

The horseshoe is a vital tool for any equine owner. An average horse's hooves can support well over half a ton of weight and healthy hooves are essential for soundness and durability. Horses typically travel over rocks, stumps and gravel, all of which can cause damage to the hoof wall and bruising of the sole. Any unsoundness in a horse is cause for concern, and proper shoeing will help alleviate the worry of chipping tender, unprotected hooves.

Function

The horseshoe attaches to the bottom of the hoof with nails or glue, depending on the type of shoe used. Nailed shoes are normally made of a sturdy, lightweight metal such as aluminum that is shaped to fit around the sole. Glued shoes are typically a plastic or rubber material, and slide over the sole and a small bit of the outer hoof wall with a strong adhesive. The shoe prevents foreign objects from chipping the outer hoof wall and strengthens otherwise weak feet. A properly fitted shoe can help to form the hoof and encourage it to grow thick, straight and strong without the worry of extensive veterinary intervention.

Benefits

Horseshoes are beneficial for nearly every horse. Even the healthiest hooves are subject to damage and increased wear without the protection of a shoe, so properly shoed hooves are necessary. Performance horses in events such as reining and working cow horses can be shod with longer shoes to aid in sliding stops and turns, while racehorses can be shod with cleat-like stubs to give extra grip and stability on the racetrack. A good farrier can turn even the most unstable hooves into properly functioning supports with a little time and study of the hoof.

Warning

The hoof is a very delicate part of the horse's anatomy, and proper shoeing is essential to ensure soundness. The hoof covers a number of vital structures within the hoof, any one of which can be damaged by a person without proper anatomical knowledge. A person without extensive farrier training can be very detrimental to your horse, and should be avoided at all costs.

Resources

• The Horseshoe