Horses are stunning creatures. Their muscular build and mesmerizing beauty draw attention to them. He commands attention by his ability to clap when he walks. This is regardless of whether he is wearing shoes or barefoot. Learn how the horse’s shoes influence his performance and soundness.
The sound of horse walking will be amplified if the feet are properly covered. These shoes protect the hooves and prevent them from becoming too worn, especially if they are frequently traveling on hard surfaces like asphalt.
It’s no different than a human wearing shoes to protect their soles from damage on all terrain. Let’s get to know some fun facts that might be useful for anyone who doesn’t have much knowledge.
Learn More About Horse Shoes
Everyone isn’t certain if it’s better to let horses walk around barefoot or have them wear the correct footwear. Just as sensitive skin on a person needs protection from various harsh surfaces, so do horses’ hooves. horses can rely on their parents to take care of them. It is the responsibility and obligation of the owner to do so.
It is vital to thoroughly research any potential adoption of one of these extraordinary animals before making a decision. The following information will answer questions you may have about shoes for horses.
** What Shoes Can You Use for Equine Exercise?
A horse’s shoe typically consists of steel or iron and is attached to the horse’s hoof shape. The metallic piece attaches the hooves’ walls to the shoe. In essence, it is like a human wearing shoes to protect the foot. Hooves can be compared to a human finger, although they are much thicker. The idea that horses feel pain if they are wearing shoes is not true.
Although nails connect the metal and the hoof, they are painless for the animal. It is easy to imagine that shoeing a horse could cause pain for someone who has difficulty trimming their nails or finds the process difficult.
Be aware that hooves contain very few nerve endings. This means that animals will not feel pain if they are applied correctly. A cut that is too short can lead to problems. A cut too short can cause soreness in horses. A wrong nail placement can cause pain. For both trimming and shoeing, you can avoid these issues by hiring a professional farrier.
** Understanding the Role of a Shod Horse
Equine need protection for similar reasons to humans. They also need protection from damage if they have to travel on rough terrain. Some other reasons are:
- Sensitive Feet A wild mustang will not need shoes since these horses developed hard, durable hooves.
Breeders choose horses according to how they were able to withstand the abuse. These horses did not need shoes as their feet were made for harshness.
Most likely, the horse with sensitive feet was involved in competitive activities, sport or performance tasks. This is more than what their feet needed to be durable and sound. Shoes are necessary for horses with sensitive feet.
- For horses that are going to be in harsh, rugged terrain, horseshoes may be required. If the horse’s shoes aren’t worn properly, they may wear out faster than their chance of regrowing.
- Problems Currently: Horseshoes could be beneficial for laminitis or horses that often run barefoot or have quarter cracks.
- Do Horseshoes Have to Be Worn? Horseshoes for horses are optional. There are many factors to consider, including the horse’s age and frequency of riding.
Trimming for an equine would be the only requirement. But it’s something you can discuss with the farrier. If you aren’t comfortable with the task, consider hiring a professional.
** What Happens if Horses Lose a Shoe
Most pieces need to change every six weeks due the wear of the metal. The horseshoe might fall off if you leave them on for too much. Farriers must replace them when they fall.
It’s possible the horse may have caught the metal on something, or stepped on it. It is a good idea to try and locate the material before calling the farrier. If the situation isn’t possible, the professional can replace the shoes and put on a new pair.
If your horse pulls shoes often, you should speak to the farrier to discuss what options may be available to stop this.
Final Thought
Horseshoes don’t necessarily have to be for all horses. They are useful for horses that have potential injuries or protect their hooves on rough surfaces.
If you have horses, you know that they need to be replaced every six weeks. But not more than eight weeks if the animal is healthy. This is ultimately what is important; the animal’s overall safety.