As a horse owner, you probably have a close relationship with your farrier. These skilled professionals possess extensive knowledge about horse hooves, covering everything from hoof trimming to the proper fitting of horseshoes. The expertise and insight of a farrier are invaluable, and while a good farrier will take the time to explain their techniques and offer guidance, it can be overwhelming to remember all the details. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of horseshoes, their common applications, and the advantages they offer your horse. This information will help you feel more informed and engaged during your next appointment with the farrier.

What is a horseshoe?

A horseshoe is a U-shaped metal device specifically crafted to be attached to the hooves of horses and other working animals like mules and donkeys. The primary purpose of horseshoes is to safeguard the hooves and enhance traction, especially on hard or uneven surfaces such as roads, pavements, or rocky ground.

The tradition of shoeing horses dates back to ancient civilizations and continues to be a standard practice in today’s equestrian and working animal industries. Horseshoes are commonly made from materials like steel or aluminum, although iron was used in the past. The design of a horseshoe mirrors the natural shape of a horse’s hoof, providing essential support and protection while minimizing the risk of wear, cracks, or injuries.

The process of shoeing is typically carried out by a trained farrier, who possesses the skills needed to fit and attach horseshoes correctly. This procedure includes cleaning and shaping the hoof, selecting the appropriate horseshoe, and securely nailing it to the hoof wall.

Do All Horses Require Horseshoes?

Not all horses require shoes. Horses that primarily roam on soft, natural surfaces like grassy pastures often have hooves that wear naturally and may not need horseshoes. For instance, wild horses thrive without shoes because their hooves are strong and evolve to suit their environment. In contrast, horses involved in activities such as riding, racing, hauling heavy loads, or navigating harder surfaces typically gain significant benefits from the protection and support that horseshoes offer.

The decision to shoe a horse depends on various factors, including the horse’s hoof health, physical conformation, and the specific activities it participates in. Let’s explore some types of horses that can greatly benefit from wearing horseshoes.

Riding and performance horses

Horses involved in riding, jumping, racing, and various other performance disciplines typically require horseshoes to offer extra support and safeguard their hooves during demanding activities.

Working horses

Horses that are employed for pulling carts, plowing fields, or transporting heavy loads often need horseshoes to safeguard their hooves from the stress of these activities and to enhance traction on firm ground.

Horses with hoof issues

Some horses may have hoof problems or conformational issues that make them more susceptible to injuries or excessive wear. Conditions like founder (laminitis), thrush, and white line disease all affect the integrity of the horse’s hoof, making it difficult to walk normally. In such cases, a farrier may recommend using horseshoes to help manage these conditions.

Horses with therapeutic needs

Just like people, horses sometimes need orthopedic shoes. Conditions like navicular, ring bone, side bone, and even osteoarthritis can all affect your horse’s hooves and joints. Many of these conditions are painful and can worsen over time. In certain therapeutic cases, specialized shoes or orthotics may be used to support and correct specific hoof conditions.

8 types of horseshoes

There are tons of different horseshoe options, each with its own set of benefits and uses. Here are some common horseshoe types.

1. Keg horseshoes

These are the most common type of U-shaped horseshoes, typically made of steel. A Keg horseshoe’s simple U shape includes a center groove for the nails to be hammered into. Keg horseshoes are basic but durable and provide good support for horses engaged in a wide variety of activities.

2. Straight bar horseshoes

Bar shoes are fully enclosed compared to the U shape of classic horseshoes. Straight-bar shoes have a flat bar on the heel of the hoof that encloses the horseshoe. These horseshoes offer additional support and stability for hoof walls and are often used for horses with certain hoof issues or injuries.

3. Eggbar horseshoes

Eggbar shoes feature a rounded design similar to an egg, characterized by a curved bar rather than a straight one at the heel. These horseshoes are designed to offer support to the rear of the hoof and are often used to alleviate pressure on the heels or to strengthen weak heels in horses.

4. Heart bar horseshoes

As the name suggests, heart bar horseshoes are heart-shaped and are primarily used in therapeutic situations or when a hoof injury has occurred. The extra section provides frog support for horses with laminitis and may also be supplemented with padding for added relief.

5. Racing plates

Racing plates are lightweight horseshoes commonly constructed from aluminum. They are designed to minimize weight while still offering adequate protection and traction for the horse. As their name implies, racing plates are specifically intended for use on racehorses.

6.Studded or Traction Horseshoes

Also known as heel or toe caulks, these horseshoes feature additional studs or traction devices that enhance grip on slippery surfaces like ice or muddy ground. Farriers usually place studs at the back points of the horse’s heel and sometimes at the toe to improve traction.

8.Glue-On Horseshoes

Rather than being nailed in place, these horseshoes are adhered directly to the hooves, providing a suitable option for horses with specific hoof problems or in situations where traditional nailing is impractical. Glue-on shoes are often made from plastic or other materials that allow for natural expansion and contraction with the hoof.

Horseshoe Materials

Horseshoes are traditionally made out of metal, with steel being the most commonly used material. However, equestrians can easily find horseshoes made from many different materials. 

Iron
Traditionally, iron was a popular choice for horseshoes, and while its use has declined, some farriers still utilize it today. Although not as favored as steel due to its greater weight and density, iron shoes can occasionally be found, sometimes even serving as decorative elements in barns.

Steel
Steel is the most widely used material for horseshoes, prized for its durability and weight. Steel horseshoes are ideal for a range of activities, including equestrian sports, trail riding, and recovery from injuries.

Aluminum
Aluminum horseshoes are significantly lighter than their steel counterparts, making them an excellent choice for horses that require less weight on their hooves, such as racehorses or those needing to make quick movements.

Rubber
Rubber horseshoes are designed to protect the joints of horses and reduce pressure for those frequently working on hard surfaces. Depending on the shoe's design, rubber horseshoes can be either glued or nailed in place.

Plastic
These horseshoes are crafted from synthetic materials like polyurethane or plastic. They are lightweight and flexible, making them a suitable alternative for horses with metal allergies.

Composite
Composite horseshoes are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility. Typically made from a combination of plastic or rubber with a metal core, these shoes offer the flexibility and comfort of synthetic materials while maintaining the durability of metal.