Not much about horseshoes and horseshoeing has changed over time. Most horseshoes are still those horseshoe-shaped pieces of metal with holes to accommodate the thin nails that secure them to the hoof. Werkiser is from West Chester, Pa., and he s been shoeing horses mostly jumpers and dressage horses for 20 years. The hoof, already an amazingly resilient and adaptive structure, needs a little help in coping with the demands imposed by the stresses of carrying a rider s weight and engaging in strenuous equestrian sports. A horseshoe also affords the hoof extra traction, says Werkiser, especially when the shoe is outfitted with one or more grip-enhancing devices, such as studs or toe grabs.
Some shoes encourage a horse to perform in a desired manner.
Although some modern horseshoes are glued on, most are attached the old-fashioned way with nails. The nails must be driven through the white line, the layer of insensitive, elastic material that lies inside the hoof wall. Most horseshoes are open at the heels to allow the natural hoof flexion and expansion that occurs each time your horse takes a step. Most shoes leave the frog and sole uncovered, which allows visual inspection and easy access for cleaning, facilitates shock absorption, and boosts blood circulation. Covering the entire bottom of the hoof lessens traction.