How to Select a Horseshoe
The production of horseshoes is a trade that has endured since the 1900s and there have been many modifications in the design and the level of quality to the options that you see today. There are many companies that manufacture horseshoes and you have to find an option that fits your requirements and keeps your horse comfortable.
Different horseshoes will be required depending on the size of the horse, the nature of work they do, duration of work, intensity of work done and the nature of the terrain they are working in. You need to select a quality equine supplies store so that you can find a reliable horseshoe. You need to think about the features of the ground surface and the cross section of the horseshoe. Many farriers will carry different sizes and versions of one shoe type so they are able to provide the perfect fit for the horse. The size is one of the main considerations in selecting a horseshoe. When a horseshoe is too small, the productivity of the horse will be drastically reduced. And if it is too big, there is a high chance of the shoe being pulled off while the horse is working and this can damage the hoof as well.
You will not see much variation in shoe sizes when it comes to different brands. But this may change with the type of shoe.There is a term called the web size which outlines the dimensions of the metal that the shoe is made of. Wide webbed shoes will give more protection for the hoof but it can slide. But because it has more surface area, the weight of the horse is distributed better. Narrow webbed shoes will give better grip for the horse as it sinks into the earth. Most horseshoes you find will be made from aluminium or mild steel. These are made from a machine of cast. Steel is a material that has been used for a long time because it can be easily worked with and it is quite durable as well. But you will be able to get more lightweight shoes with aluminium and these can be applied to the hoof using glue as well. And there is a large variety of styles when it comes to aluminium shoes. But these are not the only materials you find in the market. There are horseshoes made of rubber, fibreglass, plastic or combinations of materials that can be great for different applications.
There are traction devices that can be added to the shoe so that the hoof doesn’t slide off. Some examples are welding a harder metal to the shoe or having calks built onto the shoe. Sometimes, there are holes drilled to provide this effect. You will not be able to get a lot of traction with a plain shoe. So these are fullered. But you need to know which horse requires a traction device and which horse doesn’t. There are also therapeutic shoes that have an enhanced breakover that is built into the toe or an elevated heel. This will help an injured horse walk more easily and with more comfort.