What are benefits to shoeing a horse?

Question

And how often should they be changed? I know that some people don't shoe there horses so what are the differences?

Answer 1

shoeing has its benefits and its not so benefits. Depends on the horse and the reason behind putting on shoes.

People put on shoes on the horse when they are doing a lot of working: cattle, shows and riding in location where it can easily damage the hoof.

I place shoes on my gelding's front hooves due to him being tender footed. Some horses are more sensetive than others.

In case of going over rocks or any other landscape that is harsh on the hoof, shoes help protect the hoof wall.

Also in showing, especially jumping, there is various forms of fitting shoes to help the performance of the horse: non sliding for example.

Think of it this way, a base ball player has cleats (spelling?) with spikes. A person with those shoes wouldn't really be running on the road.

Shoes for humans are designed for our activity. Same with horse's shoes.

I can't place them on the back due to him "nicking" his back to his front legs. Making it easier for them to come loose or him cut himself.

The cons are the horse throwing a shoe (shoe coming off) and can chip the hoof wall. It can also cause lameness if the owner does not deal with the issue.

Most farriers will replace the shoe for free if the shoe was thrown with in 2 weeks of being done.

The shoes are changed when the next farrier schedule is done. Usually the horse is on a 6 week if not riding or wearing down the hoof or on a 8 week if the horse is being ridden.

My horses are on a 6 and 8 week. I go with how much each individual horse grows. I have a few who grow at faster rate and I have a few who wear down their feet enough by moving around, to where I only need them to be "trimmed up" at the frog and rounded on the side of the hoove wall.

Answer 2

The first answer covered most of it. But different breeds and types of horses have different types of hooves. If a horse has soft or easily cracked hooves then they need shoes. If they have "hard" hooves then they don't need them even if they are ridden on cement or rocks. The farrier needs to come every 6 weeks to pull off the shoes and trim the hoof. The shoe can usually be used twice like for 12 weeks. Then the farrier need to give the horse new shoes. There are special kinds of shoes for different horses. Like plastic or rubber. the farrier needs to come more often if the horse has special shoes.

Answer 3

Depends on the individual horse. For example, my horse has weak hooves, so just walking will make them chip. Now that she's got shoes on the fronts, her front hooves don't chip, however her back ones still do. She'll eventually need shoes all around. For some horses, just doing extra work like show training will require that they have shoes to help stop wear and tear on their hooves, like excessive wear.

Shoes can be refitted about 2 times. So your horse is shod every 5-6 weeks, then after another 5-6 weeks those same shoes can be refitted to your horse. You can use the same shoes through 2 farrier visits, then your farrier will replace them with new shoes.

The horses that don't need shoes have naturally strong hooves not prone to chipping or excessive wear. They're the lucky ones. :)

Answer 4

I'm not a horse expert but I have read a few things.
Basically, horses need shoes, or don't, based on the type of ground and the type of riding you will be doing. If they are always in a pasture, softer ground, sand, etc. they may not need shoes. If they will be walking on rough, rocky ground, concrete, etc. they should be shoed. Some horses bruise easily and should be shoed all the time. Even if you don't have them shoed, you should still have the hooves trimmed and checked regularly. The best source of information on this is your local ferrier or large animal veterinarian.

Answer 5

well domestic horses need to be shod like every 5-7 weeks, depending on the horse.
even if it doesn't have shoes you need to have a farrier to trim their hooves.
if you just let them grow then it will turn out horribly.
it would be like just letting your finger nails grow out and never cutting them but they keep on breaking off.
expert that horses will go lame if they break off too bad.
it really depends on how good the horse's feet are, like if they are hard tough feet or soft feet, if the horse is tall or short, fat or skinny, etc.

Answer 6

I was going to answer this question, but see that the first answer is OK.