Advanced Shoeing

Ok so first off, Keg shoes are your standard "off the rack" shoes that can be heated, shaped and modified. (see Beginner for parts of :) These come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be used for many horses.

However, horses with movement related issues may need therapeutic shoes. Changes to the shoe (ie weight, shape, angle, etc) can make a critical difference to how the foot breaks over (by adding a roll), it's flight pattern, and how it lands. Here are some of the more interesting shoes that can be used for corrective purposes:



1. Trailer Shoe - this has one heel extended; used to help a foot that naturally twists land straight.

2. Square Toe - these are sometimes used on hind feet to limit forging and over-reaching (see Movement)

3 and 7 Rolled Toe - used for horses that stumble or trip often as it aids in the breakover phrase of the stride (see Movement). Aka Rocker toe.

4. Bar Shoe - therapeutic shoe used to remove or apply pressure to different parts of the foot.

5. Heart Bar Shoe - particular bar shoe often used for horses with laminitis (more on this another Thursday!).

6. Egg Bar Shoe - another standard therapeutic shoe, often used for horses with navicular (more on this another Thursday!)

Other Shoe-Related Items:

Pads - these are often added between the foot and the shoe. Can provide protection to the sole (esp if your horse has super-sensitive feet), help reduce concussion, and help treat some issues. There will be oakum (traditionally - less common now) or some other substance (the blue foamy stuff is particularly entertaining) packed between the pad and the shoe.

• Pads are leather (traditionally) or synthetic (more often). Regular ones are of an even thickness and cover the whole hoof.
  
• Cut-out pads (aka rim pads) have a hole cut-out of the middle, so they go around the rim of the hoof. We're back to the creative naming system. These cover the heels and the edge of the foot, but some of the frog and the sole are still exposed. These are used to help adjust the angle of the hoof.
  
• Wedge pads (aka degree pads) raise the heels. They are used to change the angle of the hoof while providing the same protection as regular pads. Used for horses with iffy confirmation (ie low heels). They are also often used for horses with navicular.
  

Studs are used for added traction. The shoes must have holes tapped into them and then a variety of studs are available to screw in based on footing. Generally pointed studs for hard footing and rounded for muddy.

Road studs - are small (usually square) and used for hard surfaces (including firm dry grass footing)


Bullets - are used for ground that is reasonably firm but has loose footing on top.



Blocks - these tend to be quite substantial and are used for deep muddy footing.


Others - as with everything in riding there are many "specialty" items for everything you can imagine.

Studs can do serious damage if incorrectly used. Remember these basics:

• Always use studs in pairs
  
• Use the smallest studs possible for the footing.
  
• Remove the studs as soon as you're done riding.
  
• Never turn a horse out with studs (could injure himself or another horse).
  
• Put protective boots on your horse when she's wearing studs
  
• Never trailer a horse with studs in