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Corrective Shoeing
Issues like navicular syndrome, laminitis, and soft tissue injuries can cause long-term discomfort and limit performance if not addressed properly. That’s where corrective shoeing plays a vital role. A qualified farrier can use specialised trimming and shoeing techniques to restore balance, reduce pain, and improve your horse’s movement.
Corrective shoeing isn’t just about the feet, it’s about supporting overall soundness. Choosing the right shoe for your horse’s condition and conformation can prevent further damage and promote long-term comfort, whether they’re working under saddle or resting in the field.
When combined with veterinary guidance, corrective shoeing can be a game-changer in keeping your horse moving at their best.
In the coming months, in this short series of newsletter, we will introduce some helpful ideas and principles around corrective shoeing, as well as a few common approaches farriers and vets will advise regarding more common conditions.
Corrective shoeing helps restore proper hoof function by relieving pressure, improving biomechanics, and supporting recovery from injury or disease. It’s often used when standard shoeing or barefoot trimming isn’t suitable.
A qualified farrier may recommend corrective shoes to reduce discomfort, improve shock absorption, or address conformational faults.
The ultimate goal is to restore balance, enhance movement, and keep your horse sound and comfortable in both work and rest.
Why Correct Shoeing and Trimming Matter
Even Weight Distribution: Imbalanced hooves can place excessive strain on certain joints, increasing the risk of lameness and injury. Proper trimming and shoeing ensure the load is distributed evenly across the limb.
Shock Absorption: A well-trimmed hoof with appropriate shoeing acts as a natural shock absorber, reducing impact forces transmitted to the knees, hocks, and fetlocks.
Encourages Optimal Movement: Correct hoof balance supports natural limb alignment and motion, helping to prevent compensatory movement patterns that can lead to soft tissue strain.
Reduces Long-Term Wear and Tear: Chronic imbalance can lead to joint deterioration, inflammation, and long-term discomfort, significantly affecting your horse’s performance and well-being.
Your farrier is not just a hoof specialist, they are a crucial part of your horse’s healthcare team.
Regular, precise trimming and appropriate shoeing can mean the difference between a sound athlete and a horse suffering from chronic joint issues.
Compensatory vs. Therapeutic Shoeing: What’s the Difference?
Though often used interchangeably with corrective shoeing, compensatory and therapeutic shoeing describe distinct approaches.
Compensatory shoeing is used to manage problems with the horse’s gait by compensating for conformation faults, without affecting permanent changes in conformation.
Therapeutic (or pathological) shoeing supports recovery from injury or disease. It’s used for conditions affecting tendons, ligaments, joints, or sore feet contributing to lameness.
Both aim to restore comfort and function, but they serve different therapeutic goals.
Corrective shoeing can help address a wide range of hoof issues, including laminitis, navicular disease, and conformational imbalances. However, prevention remains key – regular farrier care, proper trimming, and balanced nutrition are the foundation of long-term hoof health.
It’s important to remember that the underlying trim matters more than any shoe or appliance applied. If your horse is experiencing hoof problems, collaborate with your farrier and veterinarian to develop a tailored treatment plan that supports recovery and soundness.
Healthy hooves mean a healthier horse!
