Should My Horse Be Barefoot or Shod? It Depends.

 discovered that the horse has receptors in the bottom of its feet and it is speculated that these receptors function in a stimulatory capacity. So the first thing that happens when shoes are applied is that these receptors lose contact with the ground.

Next we need to take into account how the foot is being trimmed and the application of shoes by the farrier. We see right away that the combination of the above factors can, will, and often does change the structures of the foot forever, frequently leading to a weak foot that is difficult to maintain without shoes. You can prove this to yourself by taking a digital photo of a horse’s foot at the start of training and then taking another photo six months to a year later, and compare the difference.

Traditionally we place shoes on these youngsters too early and often shoes are not necessary as long as a few modifications are made in their training program to allow the feet to continue to develop. 

Along with the structure of the foot, the exercise program anticipated for the horse without shoes must be considered. Many horses can do well without shoes as long as they are not asked to perform. Light riding may be feasible while competition may not be possible. Finally, the surface upon which the horse is kept or exercised will influence the wear on the feet. A hard surface or abrasive surface such as sand will not be as forgiving as a soft deformable footing.

Traction

The need for traction on variable ground conditions can also dictate the choice between barefoot or shod. Shoes act as a traction device and provide more cup to the foot. Traction devices allow horses to hold their footing, prevent slippage, and improve overall performance in competitions such as eventing, jumping, steeplechase racing, and polo. Equestrian sports such as fox hunting that take place during winter are aided by traction devices because of their diverse weather and footing conditions. They provide safety to the horse and give the horse confidence while performing.

factor often overlooked in the equation is that traction devices provide safety for the rider as well, whether trail riding or competing. Borium or studs provide safety from slipping to a horse turned out in snow or icy conditions. They allow a horse to be ridden or to pull a sleigh on the snow and ice. Sliding plates in reining horses could be considered an anti-traction device as they decrease the friction between the ground and the hoof.

Therapeutic farriery

Therapeutic shoeing is used to resolve or improve hoof capsule distortions and it will generally form part of or sometimes the entire treatment for lameness confirmed in the foot. Lameness results from repetitive stresses or overload placed on a given structure or structures of the hoof capsule or structures within the hoof leading to damage.

Shoes can be used to change the forces or stresses placed on a given structure within the hoof capsule and unload damaged areas of the foot. Shoes are used for realignment of the distal phalanx in cases of laminitis; they provide continuity of the hoof capsule after resection in white line disease, stabilize hoof cracks and distal phalanx fractures, and provide protection following a puncture wound or foot surgery. Angular or flexural deformities in young horses may be treated or aided by various types of shoes.