A sport horse is a type of horse, rather than any particular breed. The term is usually applied to horses bred for show hunters, show jumpers, 3-day eventing and dressage. They all show in English tack, but the disciplines are quite different in many respects. Except for eventing, for which Thoroughbreds are preferred, European warmbloods dominate.

Show Hunters

Show hunters are judged for form when jumping a fence, turn out, attitude, quietness, lead change proficiency and way of going. A long, low stride is preferred.

A horse trots the lowest with nothing on its feet. When you start adding weight, increased knee action is the result. Consequently, you want to shoe with the lightest available shoe that gives adequate support and protection.

Aluminum sport horseshoes are designed with this in mind. Weighing about half the weight of steel shoes, they make a significant difference in the way a hunter moves in front. Lower-end horses, where cost is a factor, may be shod with a light, steel shoe in front.

Hunter fronts. They are lightweight aluminum shoes that are sturdy enough to provide support. Some have forged-in wear plates for the toe and rolled toes are common. Shoes are available clipped and unclipped, although clipped are by far the…