Most horses do not need shoes if they are lightly ridden, or if the terrain they are ridden on is not damaging to their hooves. Some horses have stronger hooves than others, but those with weaker hooves sometimes benefit from some type of hoof protection. The most common type of hoof protection is metal shoes. These are most often applied by a qualified farrier. Despite the controversies about the damage metal shoes do to a horse's hooves and legs, many horses wear shoes their whole lives without injury.


The key is to be sure that the shoeing job is done correctly. If you're only a weekend rider, only ride over rough terrain occasionally and your horse has very tough hooves, you might not need shoes at all. Why go through the expense of trouble of shoeing a horse that does not need it? Most horses don't.

If however, you ride frequently over difficult footing, but don't want to shoe your horse, you may be wise to look into alternative protection. The most common temporary protection for a horse's hooves is hoof boots. Even riders who keep metal shoes on their horses carry a hoof boot with them in case their horse gets a 'flat tire'.

There are a variety of different boots available. Some are made of tough, long lasting plastic, others are a combination of durable fabrics with a plastic sole. All come in a variety of colors so you can be conservative or colorful as you like when you ride. Some have a flat sole, and others have a heavy tread like a hiking boot, so think about the ground you ride over, and what makes sense in terms of grip for your horse.

 

Hoof boots are easy to care for. They only need to be hosed down or dunked in a bucket of water after you ride—if they need cleaning at all. Some are easier to apply than others, so when choosing boots, consider not only how they fit your horse, but your hand strength and how you will get them on and off. If you're like me, with relatively weak hands and a bit of arthritis, choosing a boot that is easy to fasten is very important.

And, fit for your horse is essential, because a poorly fitting boot can cause painful chaffing. Boots that are too loose will come off easily, and rub if they extend past the hoof wall. There are two ways to ensure that the boots you choose will fit. Measure as per the manufacturer's instructions or place your horse's hoof on a piece of paper and trace around the hoof. Then cut to the inside of the tracing for the most accurate sizing. Take the cut-out with you to the tack shop, and slip it inside the boot. The fit may change slightly as your horse's hoof grows, so until you know how the hoof and boot fit together, watch carefully for poor fit and rubbing.

Hoof boots don't just have a place while you're riding. They can be helpful for horses with an injury or hoof condition that needs protection. You can't leave hoof boots on for a long time period, at least not without frequently checking the condition of your horse's hooves. To do so might invite a nasty case of thrush or white line disease if the hoof inside the boot is allowed to be left dirty and damp. Some boots are made specifically for medical treatment of hooves, and won't work for riding.

The downside of hoof boots is that they can get pulled off in mud, and they can cause chaffing if they don't fit right. Riders use tapes and wraps to help prevent this. If you ride through a muddy section of trail, it's worth checking to see that all is well with the hoof boots before moving on.

An excellent resource for hoof boot information is Karen Chaton’s Hoof Boot page. This distance rider has done a lot of work to find the right boots for her horses over the long haul, and shares her very useful tips.

Alternative, Non-Metal Horse Shoes Protection

There are alternatives to metal shoes that your farrier can provide. Plastic shoes, glue on shoes and partial shoes may be a practical alternative to a fully shod horse. Talk to your farrier to find out what they offer, and what they would suggest for the type of riding you do, and the horse that you ride. You may also find DIY glue on shoes work well for you. These take some practice to apply properly, but some long distance riders find they work well and may be just what you need to protect your horse’s hooves and give it a bit of extra grip.