The consequences of bad hardware on horses can be several. Have you ever had a bad experience?
A horseshoe is a fabricated product, normally made of metal, although sometimes made partially or wholly of modern synthetic materials, designed to protect a horse’s hoof from wear.
The fitting of horseshoes is a professional occupation, conducted by a farrier, who specializes in the preparation of feet, assessing potential lameness issues, and fitting appropriate shoes, including remedial features where required.
Horseshoes are available in a wide variety of materials and styles, developed for different types of horse and for the work they do. The most common materials are steel and aluminium, but specialized shoes may include use of rubber, plastic, magnesium, titanium, or copper
Since the early history of domestication of the horse, working animals were found to be exposed to many conditions that created breakage or excessive hoof wear.
In this article we will talk about what happens to our equines if the farrier is wrong.
Consequences
Many changes brought about by the domestication of the horse have led to a need for shoes for numerous reasons, mostly linked to management that results in horses’ hooves hardening less and being more vulnerable to injury.
From a simple limp, to leaving an animal seriously lame for a long time. These are some of the consequences of bad equine horseshoes.
This, obviously, is very harmful to the animal and many owners are not aware of it.
A bad aplomb in the hoof, can seriously affect joints or even tendons, leading to tendinitis. (seen very often in horses without heels)
A bad aplomb in the hoof even cause serious diseases such as bleeding rooms, breeds, etc.
That is why it is very important to have a good farrier. Yo have to choice a farrier with all the knowledge to plumb a helmet well.
Hoof Care
Heels are the most common mistake when it comes to shoeing a horse.
There are many blacksmiths who, either because of their way of plumping, or because they follow the owner’s demands, tend to cut more than necessary the heels of the helmet.
The hoof has its aplomb and should not be changed.
Remember that a farrier is an equine health professional. Do not try to do it in your strength by watching tutorials or asking friends. Hire an expert!
For the first time
After reading the above you may wonder at what time you should shoe a horse for the first time. According to experts like David Azorín, who is empowered by the French Riding Federation and the Madrid Horse Riding Federation suggest:
- The first ironwork is usually done at 3 years of age.
- In that period the horse has developed well its joints, bones and muscles.
- Azorín recommends starting with the front legs only, “since they are not yet balanced. So we will avoid injuries in these, caused by the reach of the hindquarters.”
- “There are exceptional cases where before that age, or before breaking them down, it is convenient to make a horseshoe. It will be to correct a problem caused by bad wear or any other pathology.”
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Horse_shoes_and_horse_shoeing:_their_origin,_history,_uses,_and_abuses/Chapter_VIII
https://ecoequine.wordpress.com/2016/03/04/horseshoe-facts-and-folklore
http://www.gustavomirabal.es/salud/consecuencias-de-un-mal-herraje
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/161015276@N06/albums/
https://es.quora.com/profile/Gustavo-Mirabal-Castro
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