How Often Should My Horse See The Farrier?

All horses need regular, quality hoof care. Hooves that are allowed to grow long and aren’t properly cared for can be unsightly, but they can also pose a health hazard to your horse. The internal workings of the hoof, the tendons and ligaments in the legs, and the overall movement of the horse can all be negatively impacted by having unbalanced hoofs. Uncared for hoofs and improper horseshoes are similar to a person trying to walk in clown shoes with high heels for months on end! This wouldn’t be good for the overall health of a human, similar to how ill fitting horseshoes (or no shoes at all) aren’t good for the overall health of a horse.

Whether your domestic horse has shoes or not, regular hoof care by a trained professional is a must. A domestic horse is generally not able to wear down their own hooves as nature intended. Wild horses maintain their own hooves by travelling many miles a day across a variety of surfaces. This keeps wild horses from needing a farrier and keeps their hooves in good condition. The movement across so many different surfaces naturally trims the hooves on a continuous basis. Domestic horses without shoes generally don’t move enough to naturally trim their own hooves. Domestic horses with shoes do not wear their hooves down at all as the shoes prevent any wear from occurring.

Unshod horses (horses without shoes) need regular hoof trimming. Soft surfaces like pastures and stable bedding don’t wear the hoof down at all. Unshod horses on soft surfaces generally need to have their hooves trimmed every 3-4 weeks. Unshod domestic horses who frequently encounter more abrasive surfaces may need to have their hooves trimmed less frequently, but trimmings are still needed.

Shod domestic horses (horses with shoes) need to be re-shod every 4-6 weeks. Even if the shoes have not been worn down, the hooves are continuously growing. As the hooves grow, the shoes can start to fit poorly and become painful for the horse. Its imperative to have regular appointments with your farrier to maintain a proper shoe fit.

Your farrier can help you decide if your horses need shoes or not. Many horses that are only working intermittently don’t need to be kept in shoes continuously. Some horses do well with only front shoes, and others do well without shoes at all. If you’d like to transition your horse from being constantly in shoes to being barefoot, you’ll need to become more involved with the hoof care of your horse.

For more information on horseshoes and horse hoof care and maintenance, contact Tylor James today at 706-699-8976 or schedule an appointment online.