Why Do Horses Wear Shoes? (And Other Hoof-y Questions Answered!)

Have you ever looked at your pony’s hooves and wondered, “What’s really going on down there?” Don’t worry—you’re not the only curious rider! Hooves are kind of like a horse’s version of shoes and toenails all rolled into one (pretty cool, huh?). In this blog post, we’re trotting into the world of horseshoes, hoof care, and what makes those hard-as-rock hooves so special.

So… why do horses wear shoes anyway?

Not all horses need shoes—but some do! Horses that do lots of riding on hard or rocky ground, jump high fences, gallop fast in competitions, or carry heavy loads might need some extra protection. Shoes help prevent their hooves from wearing down too quickly and give them extra grip—kind of like cleats for sporty humans!

Wait… do horses feel the shoes?

Good question! A horse’s hoof doesn’t have any nerves in the hard outer part (called the hoof wall), so if the farrier nails a shoe on properly, it doesn’t hurt at all—just like you don’t feel anything when you trim your nails. But if a hoof gets damaged or infected, that’s when it can be painful, which is why regular hoof care is super important.

What’s a farrier, and why are they hoof heroes?

A farrier is like a horse’s pedicurist, blacksmith, and podiatrist all rolled into one! They trim hooves, check for cracks or problems, and fit shoes if needed. Most horses need a visit from the farrier every 6–8 weeks. That’s a lot of hoof trimming!

Barefoot vs. Shod—who wins?

Both can be great! Some ponies do just fine barefoot, especially if they live in soft paddocks and don’t work on hard ground. Others need shoes to stay sound and comfy. The best plan? Work with your vet and farrier to decide what’s right for your horse or pony.

Horse hooves grow about 1cm per month—that’s over 12cm a year! No wonder they need regular trims!

So next time you’re picking out hooves before a ride, give your pony a pat and say thanks for carrying you on those hard-working hooves. Whether they’re shod or barefoot, those tough little toes are real MVPs!

Want to learn more about hoof care, feeding, training, and everything horsey? Make sure you grab the latest issue of HorseWyse—packed full of fun facts, amazing photos, and real reader stories just like yours!