I recommend using clips to reduce the sliding and shifting of shoes, especially on the rear of racehorses. Clips have been used regularly on event and show horses for years, but now we have shoes for racing stock with toe clips and side clips. This is a huge jump forward for shoeing products.

It used to be that farriers had to make their own clips. Some of you would draw the clips cold, while others would draw them after heating the shoe. Most of these clips were functional, but they compromised the integrity of the shoe. When heating an aluminum shoe, its temper is compromised.

For instance, Victory shoes are tempered during production to make them a little harder and stronger. If they are heated, they will regress to a softer aluminum that will not hold up as well. Fortunately, Victory is now clipping just about every style of shoe it makes. Most of the styles are toe-clipped, while selected styles are side-clipped. The clips on the Victory shoes are as hard and strong as the shoes themselves, which makes for a more reliable shoe.

Other manufacturers also offer clips on various styles of shoes.

Change Of Mind

Everyone has a preference for either toe clips or side clips. I have always preferred side clips because I felt they held the shoe in…