Shoeing allows farriers to provide five benefits to horses: protection, traction, correction, therapeutic and performance. Most horses today are used for performance and pleasure. The duties that owners ask of their horses are tough and can be physically hard on the animals. With special shoes, horses are able to perform amazing moves with less stress to the hoof and all structures supported by it.

 Toe-weighted shoes are used with horses that may require a longer stride or more animation — mainly Saddlebreds, Walking Horses, Morgans, Racking Horses and some show ponies.