Barefoot vs. Shod

There are many instances where a horse owner really does not think they have the choice to shoe or not to shoe. Riding a rocky terrain might require that your horse be shod. Abnormalities in the horse's feet might also require shoeing such as flat feet which are inclined to stone bruises. The reasons are endless, however, this article might shed some new light on whether to shoe or not to shoe. The discussion of pros and cons is an interesting one that gives two opposing opinions on whether to shoe or not to shoe horses. Both are based in scientific study. At the very least, the article should provide new perspectives regarding this question.

Just a note: "Most horses never hit themselves when running barefoot (with short, properly worn hooves) but some will forge or interfere when shod due to the added weight of the shoe. A horse that tends to interfere (strike one front limb against the other, or one hind limb against the other hind) or forge (strike a front heel or sole with the hind toe) does so even worse when shod. The weight makes the horse's strides slightly longer and the arcs of foot flight even more pronounced. Thus, he must be carefully (correctively) shod to prevent these problems." Understanding Equine Hoof Care

Barefoot vs. Shod
by: Marcia King, August 01 2008, Article# 12778