By Jade Pelletier

Horses are an important part of the horse owners’ life, whether our equines are involved in competition, work or simply our friends their level of happiness and comfort certainly starts with their feet.

Good farriers are educated on all aspects of horse hooves and movement. They first master the balanced barefoot, then apply shoeing techniques as required. They are trained to know when a  specific shoe will benefit the horse to gain maximum performance or soundness. Shoeing is an art and a skill that, when applied correctly, enhances usefulness and abilities. So the question lies: Why would my horse need shoes?

Shoeing can speed up corrective issues like balance and alignment which affect the horse’s movement as well as wear and tear on joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Horseshoes are like orthotics for people, they get the body moving correctly while balance in the foot is being restored.

Shoeing is also an integral aspect of keeping horses sound and comfortable with such conditions as laminitis, founder and navicular to name a few. Many horses would have significantly shorter careers or even shortened lives, without the benefits of special shoeing techniques that an educated farrier can offer.

Shoeing also allows professional trainers in all disciplines to prepare horses for varying working conditions. Soil types, weather conditions and even ground maintenance strongly affect performance and even safety in some cases. There are numerous shoeing alternatives (ie. caulks, concaves, pads...etc) that by working with their farrier enables trainers to help protect both horse and handler in less than perfect conditions.

Barefoot is natural and easy, but it is not for all horses. Shoes may not always be required but is nice to have the option when they are the reasonable answer.

Andrew Park graduated from the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School 10 years ago. He is a successful farrier across many equine disciplines. Part of his success resides in his passion for the job but also his initiative to stay current by attending International Shoeing conferences where new inventions of hoof care are presented and discussed as are studies on hoof problems. He works closely with veterinarians and is always looking for ways to make your horse happy. 905-779-0297