Hot shoers use a forge and anvil to hot shape shoes to fit the foot and to forge clips and other modifications. The use of a forge also allows the farrier to do hot fittings. This is when the farrier will set the leveled hot shoe on the hoof and sear out any minute high spots allowing for a perfect union between the shoe and the foot. Hot fittings allow the farrier to seat clips into the hoof with greater efficiency and effect. Cold shoers shape the shoe to the foot without the addition of heat.
Cold fitting is the leveling of the hoof and shoe without heat.
S ome horses require special shoeing. Shoeing and trimming to assist the horse's movement or stance is known as corrective shoeing. It can also be referred to as correction. In conjunction with a veterinarian, shoeing and trimming is used to remedy certain diseases and injuries to the foot and leg. This is called pathological shoeing or therapeutic shoeing.