Technology is such that everything we do in our lives has been touched by it. This is especially true with our equine friends: New bits, saddles, herbal remedies and feed are constantly arriving on the market and are considered an improvement on the past.

Yet the art of shoeing and horseshoes remains much the same. SA Horseman investigated the trends involved in shoeing, to determine how we as an equestrian community can move forward with the best possible methods.

Hoof care and shoeing has been an issue that may not have been given as much attention as it should have. Keep in mind that the majority of lameness found in horses comes from incorrect shoeing or problem feet – we as owners tend to contact the vet before the farrier.

But many a time the problem is missed completely. A small survey in a livery yard of 20 people, showed that 18 of the clients did not even know the name of their farrier. For purposes of this article, it is impossible to go into the various problems found from incorrect shaping and shoeing of the hoof. However, it is possible to delve into the bigger debate: Which is the best shoeing method to ensure healthy hooves for your horse?

We will look at the metal, plastic and barefoot ideas before reviewing what some of the experts have to say.

Metal shoes

The common horseshoe we know today, is made of some type of metal and tends to be nailed to the hooves. While there have been some instances of glue being used, the universal common procedure seems to be the use of nails. These metal shoes are placed on the outer surface of the hoof with the nails put through the insensitive hoof wall.

Commonly these shoes are made of steel as this is a strong and long-wearing shoe for disciplines such as western riding, show jumping or polo. Aluminium shoes are lighter and thus seen in the horse racing world.

There is no conclusive proof of when humans began the process of nailing shoes to horses’ hooves, but it is known that today’s shoe shape stems from the Industrial Revolution. Horseshoes were used because they protect the animal’s feet from wear and tear.

Feral horses do not need shoes, as they would travel long distances in a day to obtain adequate grazing. This meant their hooves were worn down and kept in a smooth and hard state with the sole of the foot remaining thick and hard. Domesticated horses were used on land that was predominantly softer and the climate was also wetter. This softer soil would then soften the hoof and thus protection was needed. Also, the wear on the hoof was more than the growth.

So why use something that was designed so many years ago – surely there is a better and healthier option? The problem remains that metal is easily malleable: One can either heat it (hot shoeing) or hammer it (cold shoeing) into a shape that fits the horse’s hoof.

Keep in mind that metal shoes also allow one to help with corrective shoeing as it is possible to change the shape, weight and thickness of the shoe, though one could argue that corrective shoeing was needed due to placing an unnatural metal shoe on the horse in the first place.

Metal shoes also allow traction devices such as borium for ice, studs for muddy conditions and rims to be added for performance horses that need to work over changing terrain at high speeds. Metal shoes can also be used in gait manipulation. Special shoeing can be done to enhance the natural movement of the likes of a Saddler, which of course helps them win in the show ring.

Shoes have always been regarded as an aid to assist the hooves that are subject to unnatural conditions brought about by domestication. Many domestic horses have also been bred for various traits (such as colour or speed) with no regard to hoof quality. This means that these breeds become slightly more dependent on the horseshoe due to their weakened hoof.

Something different

A recent development in South Africa is the introduction of the Cytek horse shoe. This shoe is made from metal, but is designed to try and allow for the domestic equine foot to function as closely as possible to what nature intended. It is claimed that the shoe allows the horse to achieve its own central point of balance in all paces at all times. This will reduce the risk of strain to the horse.

Many farriers have still not made up their minds concerning this shoe – it is very different to other metal shoes. The shoe is claimed to maintain the correct point of break-over and natural length of the toe. This means the hoof functions as close to that of a natural unshod hoof, while still having the protection of the metal shoe.

The Cytek shoe has a bevelled front with no toe or quarter clips. When properly placed, the shoe maintains the point of break-over at the tip of the coffin bone, which helps the horse to naturally keep its toe trimmed to the ideal length.

The Cytek shoe has a wide slightly concave surface area that allows fine soil to pack between the sole and the shoe. Cytek claims this mimics the condition of an unshod hoof and will promote healthy sole growth.

Plastic shoeing

Recently a new type of shoe arrived on the market: Polyurethane shoes. This is not a new fad and has actually been in development since the 1970s. "Plastic" shoes as they are known, are basically sport shoes for horses. They are used predominantly in the higher graded dressage, show jumping and endurance arenas. Plastic shoes weigh an average of 140 g which is a third of an iron shoe and thus allows for a reduction in energy expenditure for the horse.

Also, polyurethane shoes absorb up to 90% of the shock, thus preventing vibration (which is an effect of iron shoes). It is said that the plastic stretches with the hoof, without adding pressure on the hoof capsule. All plastic shoes also come with a bar which allows added support to the frog.

There are a few problems with this type of shoe: The first is that plastic shoes cannot be shaped or bent like their metal counterparts and thus come in varying sizes. This means a perfect fit is not guaranteed, although excess material can be nipped off and shaped by your farrier. Because of the diversity of sizes and shapes needed, the price of the shoe is notably more than that of a metal shoe.

Durability has always been a question as well, although plastic shoe fans argue that wear and tear on the shoe depends on the shape and condition of the hooves, its physique, demand of work as well as the product itself.

For competitive riders this is a rather beneficial shoe. Kelly O’Connor who competed in South Africa at open level before moving to Ireland, had her horse, Doc Holiday, in a set of Easy Walker Shoes – which is polyurethane shoe brand. They offer the same principles an athlete would look for in a pair of running shoes or football boots, and thus for the extremely competitive, are rather beneficial.

Going barefoot

Even with the introduction of plastic horse shoes, there is agreement among most professionals that the barefoot hoof is the healthiest option for most horses. Horse shoes have their place, but it is suggested that if one has a horse that has never been shod, try keeping it that way for as long as possible. Cytek is in support of leaving a horse barefoot as long as possible, suggesting a "Cytek trim" rather than placing shoes on the horse.

Much research has been conducted in recent years, suggesting that domesticated horses can grow hooves as healthy as those of feral horses and may not in fact need horse shoes, so long as we as humans provide the necessary environment and care needed. Here is where the problem arises, however: How does one determine which trimming method is best for the horse?

The "barefoot" movement has a variety of trimming methods on offer. Some of which require "natural care". It is believed that a barefoot horse that is kept in a stable environment, will always have less healthy hooves. This is due to exposure to ammonia from urine, which weakens the hoof capsule. It is suggested that your horse is given as much turn-out time as possible.

The thing about a barefoot horse is that some trim methods can be done by the owner. This could be a problem for the more uneducated individuals who read a piece on the internet and decide to give it a go. A small mistake will lead to months of corrective trimming and repair. Once again, due to space constraints here, it is difficult to go through every method of trimming, but the outcome is the same: The horse must be sound, have a functional hoof form and the hooves should not deteriorate in any way over time.

The various trim methods all promote the same idea which is with natural living conditions and freedom of movement, constant exercise (aim for 16 km per day) on non-concussive ground along with proper trimming of the barefoot hoof (which means hooves are trimmed to their natural and proper physiological form), most horses can be happy and healthy barefoot.

What the experts say

These are merely a few of the different shoeing techniques that can be used to improve the hoof; there are a variety of others. For this particular article various farriers were contacted, as was a prominent professor. Opinions differ greatly. Many insisted it would be necessary for a round-table discussion in order to determine the benefits and problems with each new shoeing technique. Opinions differed on what was best for the horse.

The latest introduction in South Africa is the Applied Equine Podiatry Affiliation of South Africa (AEPA). They follow the theory of KC La Pierre whose hoof model is based on the desire to correct hoof deformities in the domestic horse. The AEPA advocates the idea of "do no harm" and works in conjunction with farriers to promote healthy growth and high performance in the horse – shod or not.

Nina Nortjé represents the AEPA and was one of the few professionals that were willing to comment on horse care. Nina says that any horse can produce a good foot, provided they are in the correct environment with the correct assistance. Many a time a shoeless method is not successful if the environment is not conducive. It is necessary for the owner and farrier or equine podiatrist, to work together to help determine the best solution for the horse.

The AEPA also offers help and support in this way. As Nina says: "There is no silver bullet, no best way. One must look at the unique situation and make an educated decision from there."