Horseshoe types: which type suits your horse?

The standard steel horseshoe

The classic forged steel horseshoe is by far the most widely used in the Netherlands. It is robust, relatively inexpensive, and suitable for most horses in recreational use or light work. An average steel shoe weighs around 200 to 400 grams per piece, depending on size and thickness. The typical lifespan is 6 to 8 weeks before re-shoeing is needed — not because the shoe is worn out, but because the hoof has grown out. Steel shoes can also be fitted with anti-slip measures such as screw-in studs or grooves for better grip on wet or slippery surfaces.

Aluminium horseshoes for sport horses

Aluminium shoes weigh 30 to 50% less than steel equivalents, making them popular in show jumping and high-level dressage. Less weight on the hoof means less fatigue during repeated leg movements. The downside is wear: on hard surfaces such as asphalt, aluminium shoes wear down considerably faster than steel ones. They are therefore less suitable for horses that regularly walk on paved surfaces. Ask your farrier about the right alloy — harder and softer aluminium variants are available on the market.

Specialist shoe types and their functions

• Egg bar shoe: an oval closed shoe that provides extra support to the frog, widely used for hoof problems such as navicular syndrome
• Heart bar shoe: features an additional bridge over the frog for maximum support, applied in cases of pedal bone rotation (laminitis)
• Rockered toe shoe: the toe is bent upwards for a smoother break-over, helpful for stiffness or pain at the front of the hoof
• Wide-web shoe: provides a larger surface area for load-bearing, suitable for horses with flat or wide hooves
• Half-shoeing: only the front hooves are shod, the hind hooves remain barefoot — a common choice for dressage horses

Rubber and synthetic horseshoes

Rubber or synthetic horseshoes are not often prescribed, but they have a clear niche. They absorb shock better than metal, making them interesting for horses that work a lot on hard surfaces or struggle with joint loading. They are also quieter — handy in a busy stable or during transport. The downside is durability: they wear out faster and are harder to fit with studs. Do not use them as a replacement for orthopaedic shoeing without consulting your farrier or veterinarian.

Therapeutic shoeing: when and what for?

Therapeutic shoeing is used for specific conditions or recovery phases. Think of navicular syndrome, laminitis, arterial disease, or uneven loading as a result of an injury. A good farrier works together with the veterinarian in such cases. Commonly used modifications include:

• Relief cut at the toe or side to avoid pressure points
• Raised heel to relieve the tendon
• Asymmetric shoe for an uneven wear pattern
• Pads between the hoof and shoe for extra cushioning

How to track shoeing in EquiSight

In the EquiSight horse dossier, you can easily record which type of shoe your horse is wearing, when it was last shod, and any notes the farrier has made. Using the calendar, you can set automatic reminders for the next appointment — by default every 6 to 8 weeks. Do you have questions about a specific shoe type or are you noticing changes in the hoof? Ask EquiCoach, who will give you immediate practical guidance based on what is recorded in the dossier.