Equi-note 26 Horseshoeing-why is it a scandal?
Clear evidence is shown in the next photos.
Horseshoeing-why is it a scandal?
The selection of photos shown above indicate a range of shoeing problems. They range from incorrectly fitted clips, incorrect rasping of sole and toe, and inappropriate shoe type. In addition, one of the hooves shows an incorrectly treated injury.
Shoeing problems are not confined to the most obvious deficiencies. They are also present in hoof angles, of which there are two main types, lateral and anteroposterior. Examples are shown next.
Hoof angles are another major problem area
Source: equinamity.co
Description of above three problems:
-left photo-heels too long, anteroposterior angle too high (aprox. 85° instead of 50° degrees).
-middle photo-toes-in; incorrect lateral angles.
-right photo-toes-out; incorrect lateral angles
This standard of shoeing would be disgraceful wherever it was found. However, these examples have been taken from leading international competitors as well as from sport horses in national stables. They should show shoeing at its highest standard. And if these horses are being failed, what hope is there for the less fortunate?
Extensive research has been conducted by Equinamity.co within these two key sectors of the horse population, and key findings will be presented. They will show that the above examples are not exceptions but are symptomatic of generalized inadequacies.
Horseshoeing-four main areas of concern
The research conducted on these groups of competitive horses indicates that there are four main areas of concern about their shoeing:
-the extensive use of side clips on their front hooves
-incorrect hoof angles, both lateral and anteroposterior
-distorted hoof capsule contours
-ineffective/risky shoe shapes
These four conditions are highly influential on a horse’s soundness and comfort. This is because aspects of poor shoeing impact both the welfare and performance capability of the horse. They will result in lameness, imbalance, sub-standard performances and reduced productive years. In addition there are other shoeing issues which probably fall into a second level of importance yet are still very influential such as nailing, clenching, rasping and shoe placement which affect the hoof; they will be addressed in subsequent posts.
With each of these four key aspects of shoeing, there exists a full range of possible problems. They extend from slight to very serious. As the severity of the mistake(s) increases, the negative impact on a horse’s health and performance also increases. A negative effect may occur with just one of the conditions; but it can easily be amplified if two or three are combined, or with greater severity, which is often the case.
The identities of competitors
The identities of competitors have been concealed. This has been done so that riders, trainers, owners, farriers, connections with high public profiles would not be embarrassed. This is because the shoeing situation represents a serious criticism of their standard of care. It is made even worse by another important fact. This refers to the extent of the shoeing problems. Because of this, owners, riders and trainers are probably unaware of the actual damage being inflicted on their horses.
These photos have been taken at random from recent major international competitions and at prominent country stables. They show horses originating from an extensive range of countries. This makes it possible to draw significant conclusions about shoeing standards around the world. It is also essential to add that these problems have existed for many years. This is clear since the research conducted for this blog investigated shoeing using contemporary as well as historical sources over decades. And the same problems are consistently revealed.
Also, the problems are occur irrespective of the current ages of the blacksmiths/farriers; they commit the same mistakes whether they are in their 20’s or 60’s. The suggests a deep-rooted program of training with fundamental methods that have remained largely unchanged during the last few decades
The blog posts which follow delve into further depth to explain both why these conditions have arisen, and their effects on the horse.