Load sharing is incredibly important when discussing hoof quality, especially in high-performance disciplines like racehorses. This is achieved through a good trim and a shoe that supports the sole, which minimizes the risk of quarter cracks, corns and sheared heels. 

“My theory on horses’ feet is that the hoof quality is equal to the conformation times the environment,” says South African farrier Derek Poupard during the EasyCare hands-on equine educational session at the 22nd annual International Hoof-Care Summit. “Conformation dictates the way it’s going to grow. The environment dictates the way it’s going to wear and how the foot’s going to grow and distort.” 

The Importance of Glue-Ons for Racehorses

Because racehorses often move frequently over abrasive surfaces, Poupard has seen the toes of aluminum shoes wear down in 6 days. When working on horses shown four times per month, this frequent re-shoeing affects hoof quality and makes it difficult to nail into (Figure 1). In racing, Poupard explains that horses are perimeter fit to avoid losing shoes. This peripheral loading combined with compromised hoof walls and frequent unyielding substrates lead to pain, cracks and sheared heels. 

“If you look at a horse’s foot, the weight comes down,” says the Hall of Fame farrier. “The frog and the bars are meant to drive pressure back up the horse’s foot. It’s the weight of the horse pushing through the shoe that causes the frog to distort. I think of it as a bridge. A bridge without any support will fail…