How To Shoe A Horse

Do you know the basics on how to shoe a horse? Shoeing a horse is not as simple as it looks. You will need to know the type of shoe needed and for what conditions you will be riding your horse through. You will also have to figure out what size shoe your horse will need.

1. If you do not have training in shoeing a horse. The best and safest  answer would be to call a local farrier to do it for you.
2. There are two types of shoeing, hot shoeing and cold shoeing. For hot shoeing, the horses shoe will be heated very hot and pounded on an anvil to customize the shape to the horse's hoof. For cold shoeing, take a normal shoe and pound it on the anvil to fit it to the horse.
3. Why does my horse need to be shoed? It protects the horses foot from elements and corrects a horses toes in or out.
4. Be sure to pick out the proper size shoe for your horse. Your farrier can help you with this task.
5. Once shoeing has began on your horse, you will need to have him or her shoed every six to eight weeks.
6. You do not have to shoe your horse if you do not do rough riding or showing of your horse. If you ride on trails, over limbs, rocks, etc. you will need to have your horse shoed.
7. Make sure to clean your horses feet daily. This helps protect him from elements that can become trapped in his feet.