The frog plays an important role in hoof function and rehabilitation because of its ability to absorb a percentage of load, pressure and weight from the sole and wall, while also re-engaging blood circulation when necessary.

While heart-bar shoes are a popular application to achieve frog support, there are other options that are available to accommodate your skill or education level, as well as financial considerations.

Key Factors

Over the next several issues of American Farriers Journal, we will detail different shoeing applications and various options for how to achieve the same desired outcome. Each application presents a different journey that is influenced by a set of variables — skill set or education, price, availability and environment.

Skill set or education. Each farrier has a particular set of skills. One who has been providing hoof care for 40 years will have significantly more experience and knowledge than a…