Horseshoeing: An Overview

The horseshoeing is one of the oldest surviving traditional craft popularly known as "Farriery". Shoeing was invented because even the best footed horses would become foot sore when traveling long distance or carrying heavy load. Physiological horseshoeing can be defined as the process that promotes a healthy functional foot, bio-mechanical efficiency and prevents lameness. A horse shoe is simply a bar of steel which is bent to the shape of the hoof and nailed to it. Different varieties of horses require different styles of shoeing. Shoe protects the foot from bruising, splitting and wearing, provides working comfort and also prevents sliping. Additionally, it is advocated in treatment of hoof defects. Assessment of horse shoeing includes measurement of hoof angle, position of hoof balance, tubular alignment of toe with heel, position of medio-lateral imbalance, tubular alignment of the toe alone, status of dorso-palmar balance along with hoof pastern axis and so also the hoof symmetry in contest to status of sole. Neglecting regular attention to a horseʹs feet, whether shoed or not, can easily cause problems which can be hard to correct.