FARRIER SERVICES

There are several reasons why a horse may need shoes. Number one would be for therapeutic reasons. They may be needed to manage an ongoing condition or disease such as laminitis. Some horses need shoes in order to perform properly. Reining horses need what are called “sliders” to help them do sliding stops. Arabian and Saddlebred horses use weighted shoes to animate their gait. Sometimes studs are needed for jumpers so they do not slip. Some horses may have very sensitive or weak soles and will not be sound without shoes.

There are so many benefits to hot fitting shoes. First and foremost there is 100% contact between the hoof and the shoe making the shoe a perfect fit. It also kills bacteria in the white line.  Hot shoeing also helps moisture control. It helps seal the tubules, making them less likely to dry out in drought conditions or take on moisture in a wet environment.

It is individual to each horse’s needs of course but every 6-8 weeks is a good rule of thumb.

Honestly, hoof dressing does more harm than good in most cases. Studies have found hoof moisturizing dressings start to actually build up on the hoof wall and the foot can’t breathe. Another study found that when hoof moisturizer was applied to cracked, brittle feet, it further weakened the protein in the hoof wall; and the hoof lost its ability to regulate the moisture content of the hoof. If you insist on using some sort of dressing on your horse use a hoof hardener.