A horse has cast a shoe if they’ve managed to remove it completely. A sprung shoe may have been half pulled off and can consequently be twisted while still attached to the horse’s foot. It is possible for the horse to half pull of or completely remove a shoe by:
- Stepping on the shoe with another foot
- Getting caught up in deep mud
- Pawing at a gate or fence and getting the shoe caught or hooked
Issues that can Arise from a Cast or Sprung Shoe
A horse that has lost a shoe will be walking slightly unevenly. This is due to three feet being shod and higher than the one foot that is without a shoe. Some horses are shod for corrective purposes and the hoof without a shoe may be of detriment to the way the horse moves and its soundness.
Horse shoes often have a toe clip in the middle of the shoe at the front or two side clips. A loose shoe left unattended can shift and result in toe clips, side clips or nails digging into or piercing the sole of the hoof. This is painful to the horse and can invite infection into the structures of the foot.
The sprung shoe can be an issue also, due to being twisted while still attached to the horse’s foot. The horse that walks on such a shoe can be causing damage by walking unevenly on the affected foot, due to the unevenness of the shoe. This can potentially lead to strains or putting pressure on joints.
Seeking Farrier Assistance
When noticing a loose or sprung shoe, the farrier should be called and organised to come out to tend to the horse. Timing is important as the horse can quickly cause injury to itself. Cast shoes may be seen as less urgent as the shoe is no longer on the horse and can be replaced when the farrier is next able to visit.
If the farrier can’t come out to remove or secure the loose shoe, it may be worth finding someone who is capable of removing it sooner. This is to minimise the chance of the horse hurting itself while waiting for the farrier. This may be done with:
- Hoof cutters or
- A buffer, hammer and pincers
Daily assessment of the horse’s health, including their feet is important. This will help to pick up any problems and tend to them as soon as they are discovered. Prompt treatment will help to avoid further complications that could affect the horse’s well being and useability.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
Join the Conversation