Horses have been used by humans for loads and transportation for hundreds of years. However, a horse used for these purposes needs to be replaced every six weeks. So why are horses nailed? Why are horseshoes changed every 6 weeks?
University of Kentucky veterinarian Dr. Fernanda Camargo says horses (Equus caballus) domesticated for human use and selectively bred for performance are shod because their feet are sensitive and therefore need protection: “Horses provide protection to parts of the horse’s foot. It prevents the hooves from wearing too much and thus becoming sensitive.”
The outer part of a horse’s hoof, known as a wall, is made of a horn-like material that grows constantly and must be trimmed, just like a person’s claws. “Horses help the horse’s foot maintain its proper shape,” says Camargo.
However, rough terrain such as sand and rocks can cause the outer part to erode, exposing the delicate inner hoof. Then, the horse suffers and may not be able to walk. Historically, horses began to be shod to strengthen the hoof wall, as such defects would hinder their use on the battlefield or during harvest. Horseshoeing is a practice that has been around for 6,000 years.
While many horses need horseshoes, not all of them actually do. This need varies depending on the type of riding, the terrain and how often the horse is ridden. Horses riding on rocky terrain or concrete have a higher need for horseshoes. Even unridden horses may need horseshoes to protect them from the terrain or to treat them. “Many horses that are not used on the road and kept in grassy/non-rough terrain can do just fine without a horseshoe with regular farrier visits,” says Camargo.
Does the horseshoe hurt your horse?
Some people wonder if it hurts to nail a horseshoe to a horse’s hoof. According to information from the University of Missouri Extension, the hoof wall has no blood vessels or nerves, so it’s not painful if nailed properly. However, it is stated that if the hooves are badly trimmed beforehand, it can lead to pain or lameness.
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