Chris Gregory, the owner of the Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo., told attendees at the 2011 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, that a little support can go a long way in horseshoeing.
“It’s human nature to think if a little is good, a lot would be better,” says the member of the International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame. “But that’s not true when it comes to most aspects of horseshoeing.
As an example, Gregory said that extending the heels on a horseshoe is a good way to add support to the caudal area of a horse’s foot. But he pointed out that the transfer of weight to the extended heels also exerts more leverage on the hoof, which can cause damage, particularly if the extended heels are left for a long period of time. He recommends extending shoes beyond the perimeter of the foot by as little an amount that will accomplish your goals.
Chris Gregory also wrote an article on this subject, which will appear in the March 2011 issue of American Farriers Journal.
