A Logical Look at Shoes

It seems that time and time again, the argument why a horse “needs” shoes is that they are sore without, and the shoes solve that. It is also argued that some horses have “thin n soles”, and some argue that it is genetic, and nothing will solve that except shoes.

Let’s take a look at these statements with logic. Shoes only cover the outer part of the hoof – the wall – and leave the sole uncovered. Bruising and abscessing happens on the inner areas of the hoof or the bulbs – all of which are still open to the environment with shoes on. Ditto for the “thin soles”. Why would putting a shoe on the outer part of the hoof stop soreness on the inner part? It certainly does not protect it. Rocks can still penetrate and cause ouchies.

If the damage can still happen, then why does the horse walk out better? Magical shoe properties?

Let’s look at why we would sustain damage and not feel it – paralysis and lack of blood flow. When you wake up in the morning after sleeping on your arm all night, it is dead, and cannot feel anything. Perhaps the shoe restricts blood flow, deadening the feeling in the hoofs. The hoof is a complex structure, designed to take the entire weight and concussion of a 100lb animal in full flight. Huge stresses are absorbed by this small area. Stresses are either absorbed by deflection (expansion) or they are transferred directly to other structures up the leg. When metal is firmly affixed to the hoof, the expansion of the hoof is hindered. We don't often think about the expansion that happens in organic materials under thousands of pounds of stress. We also don't think about what holding those structures immobile will do to the blood flow. If I am held immobile for long periods, I start to lose feeling. Imagine what hapens when the hoof is held immobile for weeks and months at a time.

Let’s also look at thin soles. Ever walk barefooted over rocks? For most of us, it hurts, if it is not downright impossible. We use loofahs to remove callous from our feet to make them look pretty and feel soft. Soft, pretty feet do not walk on rocks without pain. Take those same feet, and let them build callous for a few months, and presto – you can walk on rocks without pain. It has nothing to do with whether or not your parents could walk on rocks without pain – just matters whether or not you have callous.

Callous is a thickening of layers of the skin due to repeated stimulus. It is not that much thicker than smooth, soft skin, but it is hundreds of times tougher. When you remove the callous, it exposes more sensitive material underneath, and it takes time for that to regrow.

It is well known and well-accepted that pulling the shoes and letting the feet ”rest” HELPS the hoof. If taking the shoes off helps, then is it not logical that shoes HURT the hoof?

It really amazes me what “herd” mentality will allow people to accept as okay when it has no logic. THINK about what you are doing to your animals. They are not human, and do not like human things. The problem is forcing them to live to our standards, not theirs. The sad fact is that a lot of traditional horse keeping practices are not healthy for the horse. Sure, most of the time they seem okay, but the problems show up as lameness, colic, and pain. Shoes may get rid of the symptom, but not the underlying issue. The problem still exists - a hoof that is not performing to the best of its abilities.

Unfortunately, I do not have the time or the inclination to educate the masses. People are resistant to change. As always, I just encourage people to think as much as possible.