Aluminum is also very popular on the fronts of hunters as many trainers feel it enhances a hunter's way of going. Aluminum is not quite as easy to forge or weld as steel. Titanium is sometimes used on horses that need a light, very strong shoe in front. Titanium is easily forged or swedged into specialty configurations, but must be TIG welded. As this once very costly metal becomes cheaper, it is gaining popularity for routine use in speed horse farriery.
Horseshoes have two basic configurations, open-heeled shoes and bar shoes.
These basic types have an infinite number of variations which may be tailored to the individual animal. Hopefully, these serve some purpose and enhance a particular aspect of the shoeing job. Also under the heading of protective devices, are the various types of metal, leather and plastic pads and the many substances which are packed between pad and sole for various cushioning and medicinal purposes. A special kind of rim pad, called a bar wedge pad, covers most of the frog area, but is open toward the toe. Since leather is sensitive to moisture, it is seldom used in horses which are routinely turned out.