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For hundreds of years, horses have been one of man\u2019s most loyal and reliable companions. In the past, we have relied on these beautiful creatures to take us to where we need to go, sometimes riding them for days on end. These kinds of situations are what led to the invention of horse shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is a Horse Shoe, Anyway?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A horseshoe is a man-made product, usually made of metal, specially designed to be attached on a horse\u2019s hoof to protect it from wear. It can be either glued or nailed through an insensitive part of the hoof wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is unclear as to who was the inventor of this remarkable product; what is known is that it has been used for hundreds of years<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to us, horses also need protection from the hard, rough concrete roads. Although horses have their hooves, which are much like thicker human nails, they do not function much like they would many years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because most horse breeds are now domesticated. This means they are asked to do stuff they normally do not do in the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to that, a great number of domesticated horses are also being kept in areas that have moist conditions. We normally see them walking on soft soil or standing on wet hay while in their stables. As a result, their hooves become soft and even more susceptible to damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying horseshoes should be a safe and painless process. But there are people who believe that nailing metal horseshoes on the hoof walls is an inhumane act. Thus, nowadays, more and more horse owners are beginning to embrace the idea of letting their horses go shoe-less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, deciding on whether you go on this path is also a big choice to make. By going shoe-less, you need to adjust the footing your horse normally stands on, change its diet, and give the hooves regular trims by hiring a professional farrier (an expert who trims and attaches horse shoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A thing such as a horseshoe would not have lasted for hundreds\u2014if not thousands\u2014of years if it wasn’t important. From walking on green pastures to hard concrete roads, horses definitely need protection in order to keep their hooves from getting damaged. Other reasons why horseshoes are beneficial include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses that are expected to perform domestic field work such as carrying loads of baggage or pulling weight definitely need protection. Metal shoes are necessary for these kinds of horses so as to keep their hooves from being worn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, racing horses suffer from having weak leg muscles or hooves. In order to solve this problem, they are given horseshoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These shoes provide them with extra traction when walking on slippery, icy roads and snow. Additionally, it also reduces the excessive stress put on the legs, joints, and hooves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it is very important that these shoes are installed correctly in order to ensure the health of your horse. There are various types of shoes that are used for different occasions and activities. These include heel calks, sliding plates, screw-in shoes, and toe-grabs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It would be best to refer to the advice of a professional to know which one is right for your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through proper therapeutic shoeing performed by experienced and well-trained professionals, horses who suffer from problems in their bones or muscles have a chance to get better. These problems commonly occur in domesticated horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some horses can actually go barefoot. It all depends on their workload. For most pleasure horses, or those that are not regularly ridden, shoes may not be that important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, racing or farming horses definitely need them because of the stress that their leg muscles and joints go through every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, you will find some of the most common problems that you will possibly face if you ever decide to let your horse go shoe-less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, hooves are similar in composition to human nails. This means that their hooves are mostly made of a compound called keratin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prolonged exposure to ammonia, which can be found from urine, causes the hoof wall to soften and become weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to our nails, a horse\u2019s hooves also grow, and in order to keep it healthy, the horse would need more frequent grooming from a professional farrier. Moreover, horses are also prone to develop certain diseases and infections when their hooves are not groomed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, do you still wonder: what are horseshoes for? Do you think horses need it or will their hooves be enough to protect them from the hard pavement and concrete roads? Will you put shoes on your horse or will you go barefoot?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When all’s said and done, it is important to keep in mind that the decision whether to shoe your horse or go unshod is a very big one. The best way to go is to ask the expert advice of both a veterinarian and a professional farrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those horses who have smooth and tough hooves, it may be possible to go barefoot as long as they are groomed frequently and regularly. If you want to learn how to groom your horse, have a read of my guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, horses who are expected to handle heavy work or have bone and muscle problems must have shoes to relieve some of the stress or pain from their legs and joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, you may also opt to give your horse boots. These are similar to human shoes and provide more cushion, better traction, and hoof protection without having to have nails drilled into your horse\u2019s hooves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever your decision is, we are confident that you will do the right thing, not just for your own benefit, but especially for the comfort of your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Happy riding!<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Horseshoes For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Are Horseshoes Beneficial?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prevents Wear and Tear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For Overall Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCorrects Bone and Musculature Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Problems with Going Barefoot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No Way to Protect Hooves from Ammonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More Frequent Trims<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n