EHAL Magazine February 2017

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Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine
©Everything Horses and Livestock | February 2017 |
Balance and support are an absolute must when
it comes to performance across all disciplines. A
steady consistent farrier program is very important
along with a total and complete diet. People ask
me all the time about supplements for feet spe-
cifically. There are feeds out there now that are
complete and should have everything your horse
needs. I don’t typically recommend supplements
unless feet are abnormally unhealthy.
So when I’m shoeing a horse who has many jobs
I like to start with a good solid shoe up front. One
of my favorites to use is a St Croix Eventer. It is a
wide web rim shoe with a rolled toe. The rim will
help provide traction on multiple terrains and the
rolled toe will help increase break over. It’s a really
versatile shoe and works really well in many differ-
ent situations. The wide web increases protection
and support. I also like to use a Kerckhaert’s Sx8
when a rim isn’t necessary.
Now for the hind feet. I typically run a narrow
plate. These are not for every horse but for those
that are often used in and out of the arena, they
can be a good compromise. They are not much
wider than a typical keg shoe but the nail groove is
absent. This decreases traction just enough to al-
low for a little more slide in those hard stops. They
are often used in the beginning stages of training
for young reining horses.
I use them a lot on cutters or calf/heel horses
where a lengthy slide isn’t necessary. They work
great for Cowboy Race horses that must perform
on several different types of dirt or terrain. They
are narrow enough to provide a bit of lateral trac-
tion making those outdoor jobs manageable. They
are not ideal if you want to slide thirty feet but they
work great for practical using horse type situations.
If your all-arounder doesn’t see much dirt, then I
would lean towards a typical keg shoe. I like Ker-
ckhaert’s standard or hind pattern for the rear. I
don’t care much for rims or other traction devices
on the rear unless conditions absolutely demand
it. Too much traction can be hard on joints and
tendons.
It’s important to visit with your farrier and discuss
your goals and performance needs from your
horse. If possible, try to know in advance what
shows or disciplines you may be doing during that
shoe cycle. That way adjustments or shoe chang-
es can be made if necessary.
Joshua Rushing
620-224-6562
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