Horses walk primarily on their toes. Millions of years ago, their ancestors had five toes, but over time, the side toes have diminished, while the middle toe has developed into a leg-like structure, now referred to as a leg. This leg is encased in a protective outer layer known as the hoof capsule. The hoof is composed of keratin, the same material found in human and animal nails, as well as hair. With its low moisture content, keratin makes the hoof dense and sturdy, similar to a bird's beak or a turtle's shell. If a horse suddenly steps on your foot, do not scold it - it will not feel it.
Domesticated horses have a horseshoe attached to the hoof, it protects the hoof if it wears out faster than it grows. Or the ground on which the horse works can damage the hoof, and the horse will suffer from pain and will not be able to walk.
For racehorses, horseshoes provide essential traction, particularly on wet grass; without them, horses risk skidding on such surfaces. This raises the question: how do wild horses manage without shoes? They have adapted to thrive without them for centuries. When domesticated horses are re-shod, a blacksmith trims the overgrown parts of their hooves, whereas wild horses naturally wear down their hooves through their movement, maintaining a consistent thickness. Additionally, wild horses possess denser and stronger hooves, making them less susceptible to injuries. In contrast, domesticated horses, which work during the day and are confined to stalls at night, experience uneven wear on their hooves. The hooves of wild horses benefit from a steady distribution of weight throughout the year, devoid of the daily and seasonal fluctuations faced by their domesticated counterparts.
From the history
Humans domesticated horses approximately 3,500 years ago to assist with various tasks. The demands of transportation, labour, and rough terrain led to excessive wear on the horses' hooves, outpacing their natural growth, necessitating hoof protection.
The earliest evidence of hoof protection comes from ancient Asian civilizations, where horse hooves were wrapped in rawhide or thick fabric to care for sick horses and protect the limbs of healthy ones. While these treatments were not horseshoes in the modern sense, they represented the initial steps toward that development.
Around 2,500 years ago, the Romans advanced this practice by using "hipposandals" for their war horses. These hoof coverings were shaped to fit the horse's hoof and secured with leather straps, made from either leather or bronze, or a combination of both. The first metal horseshoes, nailed to the hooves, were discovered in an Etruscan tomb dating back to 400 BC.
By 1000 AD, bronze horseshoes had become common in Europe, typically fixed to the hoof with six nails—three on each side. During the Crusades (1096-1270), horses were routinely shod, and horseshoes were so valuable that they were sometimes accepted as currency in trade.
The 16th century saw significant advancements in blacksmithing, allowing horseshoes to be shaped on-site just before being fitted to the horse. This innovation elevated the status of blacksmiths and spurred the growth of metallurgy.
In mid-18th century Canada, flat wooden horseshoes were introduced for horses working in swampy conditions on dam construction, providing stability and preventing the animals from sinking into the mud. By 1835 in the United States, Henry Barden from New York patented a machine capable of producing 60 horseshoes per hour, marking a significant leap in horseshoe manufacturing efficiency.
A bit of legends and mysticism
There’s a tale that tells of a time when the Devil approached a Blacksmith, requesting him to forge horseshoes that would help him fulfil his sinister mission of bringing misery into people’s lives. The Blacksmith, however, couldn’t allow this, so he devised a clever plan: he crafted the horseshoes to inflict pain upon the Devil. In agony, the Devil pleaded for the Blacksmith to remove the shoes, and the Blacksmith agreed—with one stipulation: the Devil must never harm anyone who lived under a doorway adorned with a horseshoe.
This is why it is now believed that hanging a horseshoe above a door brings good fortune. Yet, the proper way to hang it—upright or upside-down—remains a mystery. It seems that the Blacksmith and the Devil never settled this detail. Some choose to hang the horseshoe in a “U” shape, aiming to gather happiness, while others position it inverted, hoping to shower blessings upon those who pass beneath it. A sideways placement has even been suggested, potentially offering its own benefits.
For those desperately seeking happiness, it is advisable to consider a gray mare’s horseshoe, specifically from her hind leg, as it is thought to bring the most luck. This type of horseshoe is believed to offer more reliable fortune than those from horses of other colours or genders.
In mediaeval lore, horses were considered a deterrent to witches, as their horseshoes were made through intense fire. Hence, witches preferred to ride brooms instead. If a witch was buried instead of being executed by fire, it was customary to affix a horseshoe to her coffin, ensuring that she wouldn’t rise from the grave again.
Horse pedicure
Horseshoes are changed on average once a month. The procedure resembles a pedicure, with an adjustment for the client, his physiology and circumstances.
First, the blacksmith cleans out the sawdust and dirt that has got stuck under the hoof with a special hook.
Then he takes pliers and tears the horseshoe off the hoof along with the nails. The horse doesn't feel any pain!
After that, the blacksmith removes the old layer of the sole and cuts it off. The cut "nail" is thrown away; dogs like to chew on it.
The blacksmith begins by using a rasp, often referred to as a "nail file," to meticulously shape and prepare the hoof for a horseshoe from all angles. He uses an anvil to adapt the horseshoe to the hoof, creating the characteristic ringing sound heard in the forge. Once fitted, he attaches the horseshoe with fresh nails, discarding the old ones. He starts by nailing one on the right, followed by one on the left, and continues this process until all six nails are securely in place. Although this may look alarming due to the protruding ends of the nails, it's important to note that the horse does not experience pain, as this part of the hoof lacks nerve endings.
After shoeing all four hooves, the blacksmith places one of the horse's legs on a special stand. Using a specific tool designed for this purpose, he bends the nail ends down and removes them. He then finishes by smoothing the edges of the hoof with the rasp, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the horseshoe. This procedure is typically painless for horses, but for those that may be anxious or unaccustomed, the farrier administers a mild sedative to keep them calm.
What types of horseshoes are there?
Horseshoes are typically crafted from steel, but for racehorses, aluminium alloys are used. This choice is logical, as these lighter horseshoes are beneficial for speed. A flat surface on a horseshoe would hinder traction, so a groove is incorporated along its length, usually featuring holes for nails.
To enhance grip, some horseshoes are equipped with spikes or threaded holes for adding them. In wet turf events, spikes are attached prior to the competition and removed afterward in the stable.
There are also orthopaedic horseshoes, which are enclosed and nearly circular. These are applied when a horse’s leg requires time to heal from injury. Similar to a plaster cast, these shoes prevent bone movement, alleviating pain during walking and promoting quicker recovery.
In Europe, the leading manufacturer of horseshoes is the Dutch factory Mustad Friesland, established in 1832. They produce not only horseshoes but also nails, spikes, felt pads (to cushion sensitive soles), and various forging and veterinary instruments. Another notable Dutch company is Kerckhaert.
In the United States, well-known manufacturers include Victori Racing Plate and Thoro'Bred.
Recently, plastic horseshoes have emerged, which can be either glued or nailed to the hoof, similar to their metal counterparts. Both options have garnered their own supporters and markets.