Whether you shoe your horse or not, it comes down to your specific needs and what kind of terrain you have.Some horses do well without shoes, while others need them to live pain-free.Your horse's hooves get a lot of wear, the type of work your horse does, and the amount of pain it causes are all factors that should be taken into account when determining whether or not a shoe is necessary.
Step 1: If your horse has sore or bruised hooves, you should look for some behavioral signs.
When your horse's hooves hurt, it can move its body in a variety of ways.At rest, the horse will keep shifting its weight, resting different feet in turn.The horse can only stand for a short time on each foot.The horse may have a problem walking on rocky ground.Each step could be cautious or it could refuse to move.The undersides of the horse's hooves are tender, so they may appear to step cautiously or slowly.
Step 2: The hoof should be checked for signs of damage.
Take a look at the sole, frog, and bulbs of the heel.Look for redness, inflammation, or bruised areas, as well as any deep cracks or breaks.There are Bruises on the underside of the horse's hooves.There is an area just inside the front walls that is the sole of the hoof.The ridge is at the center of the hoof.The round areas at the back of the hoof are called the bulbs.Pick the hoof to see the underlying surface.
Step 3: Do you know if your horse has a bruise?
There may be an internal problem if you can't see any damage to the hoof.Lift the hoof and use hoof pincers to check for a bruised sole.Put the pincers over the hoof wall so that when pressure is applied, the sole is compressed.The horse reacts to pain by pulling the hoof away.It's possible that your horse has an injury to its sole.
Step 4: Put shoes on hooves that have been bruised or sore.
It is possible to give a horse a lot of relief by putting shoes on it.The hoof is lifted from the ground by a layer of steel in shoes.The impact of stones on the hoof can be mitigated by the depth of the shoe.If the hooves are trimmed and cared for properly, a shoe can protect the inner area of the hoof from further impacts.External boots that your horse can wear over their hooves are another option.When your horse is out of the stall, these provide relief.You can either keep the horse on the ground or keep it unshod.Without shoes the horse is more likely to tread on stones and cause more damage to its hoof than if it had shoes.
Step 5: It is normal for some wear to be there.
The horse hoofs are growing.The ideal situation is one where the rate of growth is balanced by the amount of wear.This is not likely to happen.Nature takes account of this with the unshod foot by allowing small pieces of weight bearing hoof to chip away as a means of trimming back excess growth.You can talk to your vet if you're having a hard time figuring out what normal wear is.You can clarify what you need to look for by having them look at your horse's hooves.
Step 6: Excess wear can be found in signs of excess wear.
Our finger nails are made from the same substance as the outer hoof.Just like a nail that chips doesn't hurt, hooves are not painful.If the crack travels up toward the band, it can be a problem.The owner of an unshod horse needs to be alert for signs of wear.There are excessive chips or cracks on the hoof surface.
Step 7: Hoof wear causes hairline splits.
On a daily basis, the length, depth, and width needs to be monitored.Seek the advice of a farrier who specializes in hoof care if it widens to a crack or extends past the sole.The sensitive nerves, blood vessels, and bone inside can be exposed if the hoof splits.It is possible to hold a split hoof together by wearing shoes that protect the bottom edge of the hoof.An unshod hoof needs regular inspection for the signs of wear that require the support of a shoe to stop a crack.Don't work the horse while waiting for the farrier.
Step 8: Look for broken hooves.
The hooves are not strong enough to be in direct contact with the ground.The hoof becomes sick if this is the case.It's a good sign that shoes are required.The hoof wall begins to peel and fall.The hooves look like the end of a cigar if ignored.The hoof is not tough enough and needs protection from shoes.
Step 9: Put shoes on a horse that is going to walk.
If your horse does not have shoes, the ground can lead to pain.It's likely to bruise the sole of the hoof.A shoe lowers the impact on the underside of the hoof.The shoes can help horses navigate.
Step 10: There is a horse doing roadwork.
Roadwork can wear down hooves without shoes, as it's very abrasive and wears the hoof down faster than it grows.This causes the horse to walk on its sole and it is very painful.If your horse works on the road frequently, it should be shod.
Step 11: You can give your horse extra grip by wearing shoes.
Natural landscape such as pasture, soil, or grassland are best dealt with by unshod hooves.Good grip is not provided by many other surfaces horses are expected to work on.The grip your horse needs will be given by shoes.When your horse is walking on icy ground, it may need more grip.
Step 12: The use of shoes will make agility movements easier.
When there are demands for extreme agility placed on your horse, shoes can be very useful.Your horse should do a lot of twisting, turning, and jumping.It is advisable to wear shoes in these circumstances.Studs or cork can be inserted into the shoes to prevent the horse from slipping.
Step 13: If your horse's toe grows faster than the heel, you need to know.
Some parts of the hoof grow faster than others.The angle of an unshod hoof can change if the toe grows faster than the heel.The pain is caused by the bulb of the heel hitting the ground with each step.The heels of the horses are elevated by putting a shoe on them.When the horse takes a step, a shoe on it will prevent it from damaging the delicate structure.A blocky, upright horse with this tendency has a long, slipper like hoof.
Step 14: Small hooves are good for shoes.
Some horses have small hooves.The hooves wear down more quickly than they grow if there is more pressure on them.These animals need shoes.If your horse's hooves need to be shod, talk to your farrier or vet.
Step 15: Get your horse shoes that are made for horses.
A horse with a physical problem can be helped with shoes.These shoes are created by farriers and involve changing the distribution of the horse's weight when standing.It can relieve pressure on a sore joint and make the animal more comfortable.If your horse has long toes and short heels, these shoes can help it walk more easily.The pressure on the inner bone of the hoof can be alleviated with a shoe that raises the heels.