Horses need shoes primarily to protect their hooves from excessive wear and damage, especially when they work or travel on hard, rough, or abrasive surfaces that can wear down their hooves faster than they grow. Horseshoes also improve traction, support hoof structure, prevent injury and discomfort, and can be used for therapeutic purposes to address hoof-related health issues. Shoes help ensure the horse's hooves maintain balance, comfort, and durability, particularly in domesticated horses that do not naturally wear their hooves down like wild horses do by moving over varied terrain.
Reasons for Horseshoes
- Protection from wear and injury on rough terrain (e.g., rocky, paved, or icy surfaces)
- Improved traction to prevent slipping
- Support for horses with weak hooves or gait imbalances
- Correction and prevention of hoof abnormalities or pain conditions
- Therapeutic support for issues like laminitis or arthritis
- Enhanced comfort for horses with heavy workloads or frequent work on hard surfaces
Natural vs. Domesticated Horses
Wild horses often maintain balanced hoof health by naturally wearing down their hooves through long-distance movement on varied terrain. Domesticated horses often travel less or on softer or artificial surfaces that don't provide adequate natural abrasion, so they benefit from shoes to maintain hoof health and functionality.
In summary, horseshoes function much like human shoes, protecting horses' feet and enabling them to perform safely and comfortably in environments and activities that can otherwise damage their hooves.
