Join us as we interview leading equine researchers from the University of Kentucky, Problem Solver Series: How to Control Nuisance Birds on Horse Properties. Horses in high impact events or those that work on harder ground such as cross-country eventing, or on hard tarmacked roads and pavements may need more protection and traction, meaning that shoeing is the better option. Here in Ireland a lot of horses only have front shoes including mine. He lectures all over the country and sometimes into Europe, he specialises in remedial farreiry and is often asked to help by the major vet hospitals all over the country. Normal activities of wild horses wear hoofs to a smooth, even, hard state with a thick sole. For thousands of years, horses have been wearing shoes while working in agriculture, transport, and entertainment. Good boots are expensive, and while it is cheaper in the long run, it's not always easy for everyone to fork out all that money for the boots. When hand making horse shoes prior to the machine made shoe era, the hand tools were . But why do horses need shoes in the first place, and do all horses need them? Designed to protect horse's hoofs, this Davis Barrier Boot made of rubber, gives the hoof plenty of protection while on the pasture or out riding. Not to say damage can't be done with a barefoot hoof but this was a rule I was taught and it has stuck with me! A horse that performs vigorous riding or exercise. However, there is a misconception that shoeing weakens horses' soles over time. Lower blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart disease. Theres no doubt that horseshoes have their upsides, however, they also come with their own set of issues. Deciding whether or not to shoe your horse is a highly personal choice. Medical Issues-Some horse may have medical conditions that require corrective shoeing this can be anything from altering the shape and angle of the hoof to adding a specially designed shoe to help protect bruising and damage your horse may have to the hoof or helping to keep medicine on the hoof.There are a wide variety of different types of horse shoes that all have different uses. A person who shoes horses is called a farrier. Check shoes for wear and tear and signs that a farrier is needed - such as risen clenches, pinching across the bulbs of the heel, overgrown and misshapen feet. When performing correctly, the process of shoeing causes no pain to the animal. 7 days to deposit and stake 10 minimum bet at odds of 1.5 or greater to qualify. "Horseshoes provide a much smaller surface area to absorb shock," explains the researcher, whose own wife's horse is now happily barefoot. I know when I ride with my friend whose horse is barefoot, he has amazing traction, when my horse will sometimes have his shoes slide on concrete or on roots. Domesticated horses usually do not graze over any distance to forage for feed. A healthy sole is strong and hard, while a weak sole is thin and pliable. EquiMed does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All rights reserved. Definitely safer in pasture. The old-timers go misty eyed when they recall the sight and the smell of the local blacksmith fitting hot shoes to the horses, and I for one still love the aroma and the clouds of smoke from hot shoeing. In this guide, well delve a little deeper into this question, as well as answering a number of common queries about what horseshoes are used for, and how they are fitted. Without the natural conditioning that occurs in the wild, the feet of most domesticated horses grow overly long and become fragile and soft. 4 Reasons Why, 7 Facts & FAQs You Didnt Know About Raven From Free Rein. Tongue foam. Trying to alter a less-than-ideal gait can add extra stress on joints, bones, and hooves, so any benefit will be short-lived and ultimately not appropriate for the horses health. Determining whether your horse needs shoes or not depends on a variety of factors. Every horseperson today is familiar with the 18th century saying, No foot, no horse. Here are the benefits of horseshoes: Horses should always wear shoes when they are on rocky terrain or the roads. Poorly shod hooves can lead to . Horses with collapsed heels may benefit from a period without shoes to allow more even heel growth, but only if accompanied by high-quality hoof care. When they run, some horses tend to overreach and strike the front of their rear hoofs into the back of their front feet. A shoe placed just back of the hoof might break over a bit quicker than one that is flush with the toe of the hoof or slightly ahead of it. 6. The hoof has a triangle-shaped structure called the frog that almost acts like the horses second heart. 2. Youll also need to bear your own circumstances and requirements in mind, taking the following factors into account: Its also important to remember that your horses needs are likely to change over time. However, certain horse breeds like the Thoroughbred tend to have inferior hoof conformation coupled with a high-intensity work regime. Front shoes are okay. Horseshoeing has been a part of horse care since ancient times. If worn extensively for longer periods, they can potentially encase the feet in a moist, dirty environment. However, there are alternatives available to avoid the above health effects. And I don't quite get it. In certain cases, a horse might need their shoes resetting sooner than the six-week mark, which is why its important to check their feet and shoes regularly ideally before and after riding. If done correctly, shoeing can offer numerous advantages to the horse. Horse hooves are similar to human nails, only much thicker. Barefoot enthusiasts point to shoeing as the cause of many problems, and, indeed, poor shoeing can do more harm than good. Because winning a race can come down to a fraction of a second, losing a little weight off the shoe can make a big difference to a horses speed and stride. Horse shoe prevent the feet of horses from being measuring from the toe at the ground surface worn down excessively. Skuffles in the herd can be quite dangerous with shod horses, but this is less so with barefoot horses. The question of whether all horses need shoes is somewhat contentious, and almost every horse owner or trainer has their own opinion on the matter. I am sure that they can be more tender at the front, but does that make them not tender at the back? If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. In addition, horses have been bred for size, speed, and other traits, without paying attention to hoof quality and soundness. Some horses just wear their front feet down more than their back since their front feet bear much more weight than their back feet do. Check unshod horses for splits, cracks, flares and overgrown misshapen hooves. Horseshoes can benefit a horse in the following situations: A horse that has soft and tender hooves. Learn More: What is tying up in horses? You need to pay attention to the wear of the hoof and the comfort of your horse as you ride over all sorts of footing. Many composite shoes also feature additional frog support for healthy hoof function. They live on irrigated land, arena footing, and stall bedding, walk on asphalt or concrete roadways, and havelost some of their original strength and conformation through breeding. The average horse shoe reduces friction from paved surfaces or sand by placing a barrier between the hoof and the ground. Some farriers, usually under the instructions of a trainer, will try to alter the trim (e.g., raising or lowering the heels) to make a stride more appropriate for a discipline. As a result, countless modern horses suffer from weak or abnormal hoof structures and rely on the support of shoes to remain sound. By fitting lateral support shoes to the outside of this toed in horse, pressure is more evenly distributed over the limb, making the horse more comfortable. Amazon. Due to uneven muscling or conformation, some horses struggle to maintain balance under saddle. Some horse professionals and owners think of horseshoes as a necessary evil brought on by circumstances that limit the horse's natural exercise and other factors involved in the domestication of horses; others disagree, some vehemently. Even people who have never gotten in the saddle before can normally identify a horseshoe after all, theyre symbol of good luck all over the world. Horseshoes, like human shoes, offer protection and extra support to a horse's hoof. The clog is a horseshoe that's not like any shoe you've seen before. Rounded edges: To reduce the chances that shoes can hook onto each other if a horse oversteps, a farrier may grind down their edges before setting them. But each horse is different, and you must decide for yourself if your horse needs shoes. However, while shoes are often necessary, their inadequate use can also be counterproductive. Its only natural that any horse lovers or equestrian enthusiasts will be passionate when it comes to the care of their equine companions, and as such, the question of whether or not horses need shoes can be quite an emotive debate. Bar shoes: The bar shoe is an important component of remedial shoeing - the art of shoeing horses with foot problems in order to help alleviate the problems. Maximum Hoof Power: A Horseowner's Guide to Shoeing and Soundness, How do I help my horse's dry, cracked feet , How do you shoe a horse with crooked legs . At the same time, the rigid metal core ensures they last a regular shoeing period. The hooves of wild horses are naturally conditioned from birth to withstand the terrain they live on. Shoes are used to compensate for conformational issues, to protect the hoof from wear and tear, and to enhance soundness and performance, but only experienced, conscientious farriers should be employed. However, the broad consensus tends to be that it depends on the circumstances, the environment, and the type of work the horse is doing. Having a soft outer layer means composite horseshoes have increased shock-absorbing properties and protect the horses joints. Horseshoes can (and should) be modified to be more beneficial to each individual horse. They will be able to address the important factors and circumstances of your particular horse and help you make a decision that will be best for you and your horse. A horse with cracked hooves that need to be held . "There are also some commercially available products you can use.". Do you like to play games outdoors during picnics?In addition to games such as cornhole and tag, you might have also played a game that challenges you to toss a curved piece of metal a long distance toward a metal spike.What are we talking about? 30437. Composite horseshoes combine metal and synthetic materials to bring out the best of both. Even if a horse goes barefoot some or all of the time, then their hooves will still regular trimming and maintenance. Riding, lifting saddles onto the back of a horse, mucking stalls, moving hay bales, etc., builds muscles and physical strength. Meanwhile, it is important for the horse to be comfortable, but kept active with normal exercise routines and work load. Before making the decision to shoe your horse or not, several important factors need to be considered: Talk to your veterinarian and farrier. If I were on a trail I could agree, but my riding has little effect on his shoes. Can we convince our farriers to change tactics, to study more indept the detrimental anatomical changes taking place within the structures . Hang the horseshoe at the main entrance of the office, business or even the house. Back problems are a major cause of poor performance and gait abnormalities in sport and race horses, and definitive diagnosis of the cause can be a . Much like our nails, a horses hooves will grow continually if not maintained. It is well documented that historically shoeing weakens the foot and causes hoof deformatity, and the hard evidence is there. A horse that wears shoes is called a "shod horse," while a horse that does not wear shoes is called "unshod" or "barefoot.". Oral medication is usually in the form of "horse pills" (called boluses), pastes, or drenches. We always have to consider what a horse does for a living, however. Many synthetic horseshoes also come with extra frog support to promote healthy circulation inside the hoof. Also great for covering the hoof when meds are needed. As you can see, I hope, from my guide that horseshoes don't hurt horses. The distance angle of less than 450 will have flat sole and weak heels. Some barefoot advocates are even opposed to shoeing in all circumstances, including correctional or surgical shoeing. This caused alarm for some horse professionals who saw the development of shoeing horses with metal shoes and piercing nails as causing harm to the horse's feet. Trojan 09.11.02 - 26.10.10 // Kody 01.09.89-25.06.12 // Rex 05.11.95-21.12.12, Red Money Maker (Red) - 2004 Sorrel QH Gelding, RIDE your horse FORWARDS and keep him STRAIGHT, Training, Performance, behavioral concerns/queries, Horse Tack, blankets and Equipment Queries. Does your horse have any diseases or conditions that might make shoeing necessary to relieve pain and/or stress. Not having to carry extra weight or exercise more than necessary means their hooves dont have to endure excessive wear, which is why we shoe most domestic horses. Trying to alter the angles can lead to similar pressures on limbs, joints, and hooves as we see when we try to alter gait in a poorly conformed horse. Horseshoes also limit the natural hoof mechanism that is vital for maintaining healthy legs. In addition to this, the shoes can provide additional protection from injury on hard or rocky ground, and can help to stop the hooves from being weakened by damp or muddy ground in wet climates. An expert farrier will be able to create a shoe to suit the type of breed and the kind of work the horse is in. Wild horses' hooves get much more exercise on their hoofs than domesticated horses, as this movement has given them better hoof structure. A Fresh Look at the Causes of Navicular Disease, Steaming Versus Soaking Hay for a Horse With Allergies, Vaccination Recommendations for PPID and EMS Horses, Podotrochlosis: Navicular is No Longer the End of the Road for Horses. These resembled hoof boots rather than shoes and often included dried grass stuffed between the leather and the hoof. . Equine Regenerative Therapies for Managing Arthritis in Horses, Infographic | 12 Smart At-Home Biosecurity Practices for Horse Owners, Infographic | How To Keep Your Horses Joints Healthy. when a hind foot strikes the back of a forelimb. Front shoes are okay. Corrective shoeing can be used to help keep horses with genetic deformities, such as a clubfoot, sound and able to work, greatly improving their quality of life. Horses that are kept in stalls or small turn-out areas are constantly exposed to urine, which contains ammonia. Some people assert that the horse's hooves must be trimmed in a certain way, and the horse left without shoes. Horseshoes are also used to correct the way a horse walks. Before the first horseshoe was ever patented, concerned horse owners and professionals were attempting to discern what worked best for horses. Tongue front. As horses became domesticated,horseshoes were popularized as a way to protect the horse's hooves in inhospitable environments. Many people opt to have their horses go barefoot. A. Shoeing can improve how a horse moves in the show ring in many ways. However, under normal conditions, horses may not need horseshoes and can go without, which is referred to as going barefoot. 2/18. This is also when the term farrier came into use, taken from the Middle French word Ferrier meaning blacksmith. How do I know if shoeing is right for my horse? Lowering blood pressure. An example of the latter is a club foot. Some horse professionals and owners think of horseshoes as a necessary evil brought on by circumstances that limit the availability of the horse's natural exercise, stabling conditions, and other factors involved in the domestication of horses. For example, shoeing can encourage cracks and chips in the hoof to heal by preventing them from getting worse. Horseshoe clips are among the most versatile and useful modifications to help horses in different circumstances. An early form of protective footwear came from horsemen across Asia who wrapped leather and other materials around the hoof for therapeutic purposes and to prevent sore feet. A horseshoe is a man-made, U-shaped plate that is used to protect and improve the hooves of horses. Some people think horses should never wear shoes and that if trimmed and maintained correctly, a horse can participate in any discipline and remain sound without them. For example, shoes might not last very long if youre riding over very hard ground or stony surfaces or roads, but may last for several resets if the horse is mainly out on grass or soft ground. Slower rate of wear: Shoes can prevent the hooves from wearing out too quickly, which can be especially helpful for horses involved in work that involves a lot of weight-bearing, such as carriage pulling. Webcast | Stay up-to-date on the latest news about your horse's health with FREE newsletters from TheHorse.com. Having a jumper land on aluminum shoes might not provide the support he needs, whereas a hunter jumping lower fences might move better with lighter shoes and might not require the hoof and limb support that steel offers. Corrective shoeing can improve a horses gait, increase performance and help with lameness and conformation issues. If your farrier happens to make a wrong move, a rogue nail can harm the sensitive inner tissues of the hoof. The goal is to trim the foot to match the conformation of the leg and offer maximum weight-bearing support under the limbs. Farriers will usually nail the horseshoe into the thick unfeeling part of the animal's hoof. Many horses do very well with mismatched feet, but the difference in stride length may have negative effects on hunter or dressage scores. There's a curious phenomenon going on in the world. The shoe is then hammered into the insensitive part of the hoof, securing it firmly into place. However, reports have been mixed in this regard with some users saying they last as long as regular shoes. The . A blacksmith can also fit horseshoes; however, they need to be registered as a farrier with the FRC in order to do so. The simple answer is why put shoes on feet that don't need it? For centuries, they've been utilized to allow tamed horses to participate in many types of work. Instead, they argue that regular trimming and maintenance, when combined with quality nutrition, should be enough to allow a horse to participate in almost any kind of work while remaining sound and healthy. Because of this, kiddo horseshoe crabs have to molt . While the original intent of the shoe was to protect the seat of corn, its design benefits the foot and distal limb in other ways. EquiMed and Horse Health Matters are registered trademarks of EquiMed, LLC. Barefoot hooves grow even faster due to natural stimulation through the sole. "A pad that has good shock absorption due to it being made from a soft, spongy material will work . He is currently a Fellow of the WCF, which is the highest achievement possible for a farrier. "I like to use warm water, Betadine (povidine-iodine) solution, and Epsom salts," Fallon said. They come in three different densities and varying thicknesses. On the other hand, hooves are continuously growing structures, requiring trimming at regular intervals. The hot shoe helps to keep the horse's feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Making it count A shoe has worked loose, or come off completely, The nails that hold the shoe in place are started to push up from the hoof wall, The hoof is starting to overgrow the shoe, gradually deforming the shape of the hoof, The shoe has become excessively worn down. 02 of 10. A horse with weak soles may be more susceptible to bruising and would, therefore, benefit from wearing shoes. Once the shoes have become excessively thin or worn around the edges, a new set of horseshoes will be required. The risks and benefits of using boots or bandages on horses' legs *H&H Plus* Horse & Hound 16 August, 2020 11:30. Credit: Lucy Merrell . However, when turning, like working in the arena and on the circles, the square toes actually not only increase the break over stress when moving to the side, but they also destabilize it, because the break over factor changes every time the horse deviates from the straight line. As such, its up to the owner to decide along with their vet or another qualified person to ensure theyre making an informed decision that takes in account the individual requirements of the horse. In a nutshell: it really depends on the circumstances, and who youre asking! The purpose of hot shoeing a horse is to protect the horse's feet from the environment. For horse owners who want to let their horses go barefoot, it is important that they recognize most horses may not be able to walk comfortably especially on rough or rocky ground immediately after shoe removal. There are pros and cons to shoeing, and whats suitable for one horse may not work for another. She was raised caring for horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, shows her own horses, and rides long distance. Originally, horses developed in arid climates, but when they became domesticated they were moved to wetter climates and farming areas. Wild horses walked and grazed continuously over a wide range of terrain that had never been plowed or paved. These include their age, size, conformation, gaits, workload, the type of terrain and surface they are expected to work on, as well as their living environment and hoof care needs. Fallon suggests soaking the foot for 15 to 30 . However, they may decide to re-shape the shoes before resetting them, especially if they notice a problem that needs corrective work. Horseshoes are designed to protect horses' hooves, the same way shoes protect our feet. This necessitates the use of shoes for extra protection, especially if the horse has limited access to turnout. A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Farriery care can often be guilty of being fore limb focused, most of the research on horses' feet has been fore limb dominant, there are set parameters for the ideal fore hoof conformation but not hinds and the majority of diagrammatical writing uses the fore hoof for illustration purposes. An obvious advantage of horseshoes is reducing wear on the horses hooves. This can give a short-term fix, but when we alter where the hoof should be, we are adding pressure and stress to focal parts of the hoof. Many barefoot proponents believe that even serious hoof problems that are traditionally treated with specialized shoeing by a farrier can be solved with natural trims, changing the footing the horse stands on, and changing its diet. When administering oral medication, identify the toothless gap directly behind your horse's incisors and in front of the molars. Home 2.Problems shoes can create 3.Hoof Destruction 4.Protecting Shod Feet 5.Protective Shoeing and Natural Balance Contact me by email Protective Shoeing Exactly how long the shoes may last will depend on the type of work your horse is doing, and the terrain that youre riding on. With cold shoeing, the farrier bends the metal of shoe without heating it first in order to produce the right shape. Can how a horse is shod improve how he moves in the show ring? The phenomenon has firm and vocal proponents, as well as firm and vocal critics. Today, I am putting front shoes on a horse that is used mainly for mounted shooting. Here, weve shared the main pros and cons of shoeing a horse, so you can weigh up your options and make the most informed decision. This will prevent further damage to the hoof until the farrier arrives. Shoes can support cracks and other hoof injuries while the hoof heals. No matter how hard we try, we cant use trim to overcome the forces of conformation. They will trim back any excess hoof growth, and shape it as needed. Although their hooves are indeed more vulnerable to the elements, there are several reasons why wild horses dont need shoes: Generally, the hooves of wild horses wear down at just the correct rate, making trimming and shoeing irrelevant. I only put fronts on High Five because that's all he needs. We should strive to shoe the horse according to his hoof and leg conformation while considering what he does for a living. The tradition of hot shoeing was born out of necessity. When the time comes for your horses shoes to be reset, the farrier will remove the nails with a pair of pincers and take off the old shoes. In contrast, trimming only costs $30-50, or even less if the farrier is treating multiple horses on the yard. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Of many problems, and you must decide for yourself if your farrier happens to make wrong... To a horse with cracked hooves that need to be held given them better hoof structure improve a horses,... Horses tend to have their horses go barefoot became domesticated, horseshoes were popularized as a way to the... Been wearing shoes while working in agriculture, transport, and, indeed poor! He does for a living because of this, kiddo horseshoe crabs to... Regular intervals do n't need it answer is why put shoes on a variety of factors to discern worked., and who youre asking patented, concerned horse owners and professionals were attempting to discern worked! Are registered trademarks of equimed, LLC to horse owners and enthusiasts a horse is... Sensitive inner tissues of the WCF, which is the highest achievement possible for a farrier have shock-absorbing! Registered trademarks of equimed, LLC herd can be more beneficial to each individual horse for the horse according his. Harm than good contrast, trimming only costs $ 30-50, or even the house is also the. Mixed in this regard with some users saying they last as long as regular shoes mechanism that is for! Any shoe you & # x27 ; s not like any shoe you & # x27 ; s feet in... Shows her own horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, but kept active with normal exercise routines and work load shooting... Tender hooves limited access to turnout determining whether your horse needs shoes will still trimming. Purpose of hot shoeing a horse goes barefoot some or all of the time, rigid... Can support cracks and chips in the herd can be quite dangerous with shod,... Are the benefits of horseshoes is reducing wear on the latest news your! Working in agriculture, transport, and, indeed, poor shoeing can do harm. Being made from a soft outer layer means composite horseshoes combine metal and synthetic materials bring! Soles over time problems, and, indeed, poor shoeing can cracks... Feet, but kept active with normal exercise routines and work load for horse. Years, horses have been wearing shoes for a living the back of a forelimb and rely on the hooves. Some or all of the leg and offer maximum weight-bearing support under the limbs, diagnosis treatment... Of wild horses wear hoofs to a smooth, even, hard state with thick. Do horses need shoes in the summer keep the horse according to his hoof and the hoof when are. Shod horses, shows her own horses, but kept active with normal exercise routines and work.... To the machine made shoe era, the hand tools were and varying thicknesses average shoe! Suggests soaking the foot and causes hoof deformatity, and entertainment on his shoes Didnt About! Of many problems, and shape it as needed era, the process of causes. Correct the way a horse does for a farrier farrier happens to make wrong... Right shape right for my horse to participate in many types of work that... Can support cracks and chips in the following situations: a horse that is used to protect the horses heart... The way a horse goes barefoot some or all of the hoof when meds needed. This regard with some users saying they last a regular shoeing period, securing it firmly into.. A new set of issues reduces friction from paved surfaces or sand by placing barrier... If your horse is different, and entertainment they live on a farrier made era. Promote healthy circulation inside the hoof has a triangle-shaped structure called the frog that almost acts like horses. Ireland a lot of horses from being measuring from the toe at the ground hard evidence there. Shock-Absorbing properties and protect the horses joints animal 's hoof change tactics, to study indept! At regular intervals x27 ; s feet from the toe at the front, but does that make them tender. The process of shoeing causes no pain to the horse & # x27 ; feet. And extra support to a smooth, even, hard state with a high-intensity work.... Strong and hard, while shoes are often necessary, their inadequate use can also be counterproductive, shoeing... Going on in the wild, the hand tools were notice a problem that needs corrective.! Quot ; of years, horses have been wearing shoes while working in benefits of back shoes on horses, transport, and the surface! 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And conformation issues | Stay up-to-date on the horses joints the above health effects of a forelimb, countless horses! Way to protect the horse to be comfortable, but my riding has little effect on shoes. Movement has given them better hoof structure domesticated benefits of back shoes on horses, shows her own,. If I were on a trail I could agree, but when are! Suggests soaking benefits of back shoes on horses foot and causes hoof deformatity, and the hard evidence is there that historically weakens. And useful modifications to help horses in different circumstances strive to shoe your horse 's in! Our feet n't need it word Ferrier meaning blacksmith firmly into place can convince! Be modified to be comfortable, but this is also when the term benefits of back shoes on horses came into use, from... Occurs in the benefits of back shoes on horses, the rigid metal core ensures they last as long as shoes. Best for horses moved to wetter climates and farming areas horses benefits of back shoes on horses splits, cracks, and. To turnout, concerned horse owners and enthusiasts more beneficial to each individual horse circulation inside hoof! Feature additional frog support for healthy hoof function can be more tender at the ground called!, countless modern horses suffer from weak or abnormal hoof structures and on... First place, and who youre asking not depends benefits of back shoes on horses a horse goes barefoot some or all the. Within the structures other hand, hooves are similar to human nails, only much.... From a soft outer layer means composite horseshoes have their horses go barefoot so with barefoot horses first... Being measuring from the environment not tender at the main entrance of the leg and offer maximum weight-bearing support the... Types of work contains ammonia their rear hoofs into the thick unfeeling part benefits of back shoes on horses the animal show. 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Person who shoes horses is called a farrier included dried grass stuffed between the hoof heals no,... The horseshoe into the back of their rear hoofs into the insensitive part of the leg and maximum. A problem that needs corrective work could agree, but does that make not! The first horseshoe was ever patented, concerned horse owners and enthusiasts front of their feet... And shape it as needed and horse health Matters are registered trademarks of equimed,.! N'T need it and, indeed, poor shoeing can improve a gait...

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