Why Horseshoes Work

If you have not read the section on hoof function, please read that first. It will help you understand why horseshoes work. When the horseshoe is applied, the hoof is lifted off the ground so the hoof is in its contracted state. The shoe is then nailed on forcing the hoof wall to bear all weight of the horse and prevents the hoof from expanding. This lack of expansion means lack of circulation. Lack of circulation means weaker hoof walls, lack of nutrient exchange, build-up of excess nutrients in the blood stream leading to other health problems, poor exercise tolerance due to the over exertion of the main heart, poor exercise recovery, stone bruises on the soles due to numbness in the feet, and tendon and joint issues from absorbing all the shock.

Then why do they work?
Horseshoes work because the horse can no longer feel his feet. A horse that is sensitive walking on gravel suddenly seems comfortable walking on gravel when he has shoes on. This is because the lack of circulation has made the foot "fall asleep". The nerves in the foot have been deadened by the lack of circulation so the horse can no longer feel the pain. Meanwhile, more damage is being done by the shoe. The lack of circulation actually causes the coffin bone to degenerate. The hoof will start to contract and pull forward putting pressure on the navicular bone by the deep digital flexor tendon, often resulting in a "navicular" diagnosis for the horse. The digital cushion cannot develop without blood supply. Then we think our horses cannot go without shoes because they hurt so badly when the shoes are pulled. Have you ever sat on your foot long enough to have it fall asleep? When you straighten your leg back out and the circulation returns it is very painful, right? It is the same with our horses. Once the circulation is returned, all those dead nerve endings start to come to life and tell the horse how much damage has been done.

It is hard for us to see our horses in pain which is why we continually put the shoes back on. My goal is to educate horse owners as to what is actually happening to not only their horse's feet, but to their horse's entire system. Your horse can recover from years of wearing shoes, but you need time, patience and a good barefoot professional to help you and your horse through the transition. If you don't have any of the above, then you can continue to put shoes on your horses, but now you know the consequences. Please take a minute and view the video below.

Horseshoes