Trail riding ranks high on the list of things horse owners do with their horses — no matter what other riding discipline they may be involved in. In fact, it’s thought that getting out of the ring is good for everyone — mentally as well as physically. It gives a horse the chance to “clear his head” and learn to pay attention to where he’s going. In addition, it’s a great way to get him “muscled up,” particularly if hills are involved. And, it’s fun, too, probably the main reason it’s so popular.

That presents a challenge for a farrier, who has to figure out a shoeing approach for a reining horse that may need heel extensions when he in the ring competing, and a wide-web Eventer-type of shoe when he’s being used for trail rides.

Here’s advice from three veteran farriers who deal with that challenge in their day-to-day shoeing work. While shoeing in very different parts of the country, the trio had similar opinions on shoe choice, the use of clips, providing traction and the importance of a sound approach to balancing, trimming and shoe fit.

Trail Riding In High Desert County

Andrew Varela has been shoeing horses for over 20 years in his native New Mexico…