shoeing

Shoeing is the practice of fitting horseshoes to a horse’s hooves to protect the hoof, balance the limb, and improve traction and comfort. A typical shoe is nailed to the outer edge of the hoof wall, and the process often includes trimming and reshaping the hoof to ensure even weight distribution and proper alignment. Shoeing can address routine protection, gait irregularities, or specific conditions such as lameness or hoof disease. The work is performed by a farrier, a mid-level tradesperson who combines skills in hoof care, metalworking, and anatomy; in many regions foals, horses, and handlers rely on regular farrier visits.

History and practice have long intertwined with metalworking. Early societies used improvised protective coverings, while more formal nailed shoes appeared in antiquity and became standard in the Middle Ages. Today, farriers assess each horse’s needs, select appropriate shoe types, and decide between hot shoeing (the shoe is heated and molded) or cold shoeing (the shoe is shaped without heat). Tools commonly used include rasps, nippers, hoof knives, clinchers, and anvils. Materials range from traditional iron or steel to aluminum for lighter stock, with options such as glue-on shoes, heart-bar or bar shoes, rims, clips, calks, and studs for specialty traction.

Regular interval care, typically every 4–8 weeks, supports hoof health and performance. Proper shoeing requires knowledge of hoof anatomy, biomechanics, and sound veterinary judgment to prevent injury and promote long-term soundness.