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Review Article
21.
Horseshoeing: An overview -
A. S. Karle, P. H. Tank, H. S. Vedpathak, H. K.
Mahida, R. G. Shah and M. A. Dhami
Vet World. 2010; 3(3): 148-151
Abstract
The horseshoeing is one of the oldest surviving
traditional craft popularly known as “Farriery”.
Shoeing was invented because even the best footed
horses would become foot sore when traveling long
distance or carrying heavy load. Physiological
horseshoeing can be defined as the process that
promotes a healthy functional foot, bio-mechanical
efficiency and prevents lameness. A horse shoe is
simply a bar of steel which is bent to the shape of
the hoof and nailed to it. Different varieties of
horses require different styles of shoeing. Shoe
protects the foot from bruising, splitting and
wearing, provides working comfort and also prevents
sliping. Additionally, it is advocated in treatment
of hoof defects. Assessment of horse shoeing
includes measurement of hoof angle, position of hoof
balance, tubular alignment of toe with heel,
position of medio-lateral imbalance, tubular
alignment of the toe alone, status of dorso-palmar
balance along with hoof pastern axis and so also the
hoof symmetry in contest to status of sole.
Neglecting regular attention to a horse’s feet,
whether shoed or not, can easily cause problems
which can be hard to correct.
Keywords: Horse, horseshoe. Hoof, Lameness.
