Is There Ever A Reason to Shoe a Horse?

Greetings Dr. Teskey

I asked at my vet's office about shoeing.  The woman in his office said that it depends on what job the horse will be doing as well as the hoof integrity as to shoe or not shoe a horse. 

 

I also read an article that followed that line of thought.  From your articles I have read, and from current science research, horses don't need shoes.

 

Dr. Teskey, is there ever any reason to shoe a horse?

I want to remove the front shoes on my new 6yo mare and am afraid I going to be told  "she needs shoes".

 

Thanks for your help and for ALL THE EFFORT  and WORK you do to educate horse people.

 

Mary

Hi there,

 

The short answer to your question, for me, is NO.

 

I'm attaching an article ("The Unfettered Foot; A paradigm change for equine podiatry") for you to read, since you'll soon be visiting your veterinarian.  It has some food for thought for you.  Maybe your veterinarian would also like a copy.

Dr. Tom T.