Recently solved a tricky shoe fit on a senior gelding

In my experience, older horses often have worn soles that make shoeing hard. I started using a leather pad and thinner nails, which reduced pressure points. Take this with a grain of salt, but it might help others.

3 comments

3 Comments

fiona_murphy1mo agoMost Upvoted

Frog health drops fast in seniors. Leather pads sometimes trap moisture. @taylorb41 talked about weight shift to the sole, but a weak frog makes it worse. I use pads with a cut-out center. Allows airflow and keeps the frog active. Seen fewer bruises this way.

fisher.michael1mo ago

Watch how the shoe wears after a week of turnout. You might see uneven marks that show where pressure builds up. If the pad doesn't let the frog work, it can get soft and lead to bruises. I've found that adjusting the nail spots based on that wear pattern helps spread the weight better. It's a simple check that can save a lot of trouble down the road.

taylorb411mo ago

Think about how the hoof wall changes over time. I've seen senior horses with cracks that shift weight to the sole. Would a different nail pattern spread pressure better? Maybe combine pads with a slight lift to help with joint pain. Have you tried checking the fit after a few days of movement? Sometimes the shoe settles in a way you can't guess on the stand.