Hoof support + protection

Should my horse be barefoot?

As amazing as barefoot can be for many horses, a large population of our equine friends need additional support or protection. As much as we may want to believe it, not everything can (or should!) be rehabbed barefoot. So, this brings us to added protection and support, which most often comes in the forms of hoof boots, composite shoes, or steel shoes. I only offer boots and composite shoes, and there are a myriad of ever-improving options at our disposal to fit any horse.

The most important part of selecting hoof support and protection is choosing the kind that will meet both you and your horse’s needs, and that’s where I come in! Below are some considerations that I make when discussing hoof support options with my clients.

• Does this horse need occasional protection or does it need consistent supportive mechanics?

• Does the owner have the ability to check hooves daily?

• Does this horse appear to prefer softer support or stiffer support?

• Are bony changes present? (ringbone, pedal osteitis, coffin bone remodeling, etc.)

• How active is this horse?

• What environment does this horse live in?

• Does this horse have healthy sole arches?

• Does this horse have adequate sole depth?

• Does this horse’s hoof support the bony column of their limb?

• Does this horse have significant capsular sheering?

• Does this horse have asymmetrical wear/loading? (High/low syndrome, compensatory loading, etc.)

• Is weather going to affect the type of support we want to offer?

There are even more considerations to make, to determine if boots or composite shoes are most appropriate. This is one of the reasons why I limit boot fitting only to my hoof care clients, so that I can ensure the best results and ongoing, customized support.