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Minimising Damage from Horseshoes

© Anya Lavender. Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Finder

For many reasons, explained throughout my site & links, I do not recommend metal rim shoes at all, for the sake of the horse. But in my opinion *WELL SHOD* with consideration to good hoof function and balance is not necessarily impossible, especially with alternatives such as Easyshoes, which do reduce/remove most of the 'cons' associated with shoes. If after you have digested and considered all the available information and alternatives, you still choose to shoe your horse conventionally, you need to know how to minimise the damage.

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  • A horse needs to be trimmed slightly differently for shoes, but it is still vital to employ someone who can knowledgeably do this with little compromise to the shape and function of the natural hoof. Wedges, bars and high heels should be avoided. Short 'breakover' and low heels are important. As is ensuring whole foot loading & no overloading of the walls.

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  • As the rear of the hoof needs to expand upon weightbearing and contract when lifted to function effectively, clips and bars should be avoided, especially at the quarters or heels, and nails only placed as far back as is absolutely necessary to secure the shoe. *I believe the same goes for glue on rigid shoes, maybe more so even, as nails through horn does give a little.

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  • The shoes should be removed, the foot trimmed and shoes reset frequently, no longer than 4-6 weeks maximum - definitely not left in place until they come loose or wear through. As the shoe is attached to the wall, as it grows, peripheral loading and the distortion it causes becomes stronger, so aim to reset frequently enough to *keep* the feet in functional order, not allow them to overgrow before 'correcting'.

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  • A horse with already distorted or weak feet is more likely to suffer further issues from conventional shoes *although it is very frequently an effective *palliative* which should not be discounted in cases that are 'too far gone' for anything better than palliative measures hoped for. For horses generally however, I do not believe shoes are a good idea for sick feet. Get them healthy first at least, with boots, diet & management changes as necessary.

    In the case of a shod horse presenting lame or sore footed, or of infection or distortion, shoes should be removed and more attention given to management, diet & hoofcare in the case of any sign of hoof problem or lameness.

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  • Shod horses, having little shock absorbing ability and no sole protection, should never be trotted or cantered on rough or hard ground and pavement. The peripheral loading with metal rims is enhanced on flat, unyielding surfaces.

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  • Young horses that haven’t reached full maturity ~ age 6+ ~ should not be shod, to allow the digital cushion and other structures a chance to develop properly. The digital cushion doesn't *begin* to develop much strength until around 4 years old, according to Dr Bowker!

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