Deciding to switch to a freedom shoe horse setup may feel like a large leap, several riders find the extra hoof flexibility will be worth the change. For a long time, the standard answer for any horse needing some protection has been to nail on a group of heavy metal plates. It worked—and it still functions for plenty of horses—but we've discovered a lot lately about how a horse's hoof really functions. It isn't simply a solid block out of horn; it's money, breathing, growing piece of biological equipment. Once you lock that hoof into a rigid metal body, you're inevitably losing some of that will natural movement.
That's where the whole "freedom" concept is available in. Whether you're taking a look at composite shoes or boots, glue-ons, or specific performance brands, the goal is in order to let the hoof behave like it's barefoot while still giving it the armor it requires for rocky trails or hard market work. If you've ever swapped out a pair of hard dress shoes for several high-quality running shoes, you probably possess a decent idea of how a horse feels creating this transition.
Why Flexibility Issues A lot more than We Believed
For years, we just believed that provided that the horse wasn't limping, the shoes were doing their work. But if you watch a freedom shoe horse move, especially from a trot or a canter on the firm surface, you begin to see the different type of fluidity. The hoof is definitely designed to increase in order to hits the particular ground. This expansion isn't only for show; it's a pre-installed shock absorber. This also acts as a secondary pump with regard to blood flow. Each time that hoof strikes the deck plus spreads out, it helps push blood back up the leg.
When we use traditional rigid shoes and boots, we often dampen that pumping action. It's not that metal is "bad, " but it's certainly restrictive. Modern materials like polyurethane or even various composites enable the hoof to twist and widen naturally. This can be an overall game-changer for horses with chronic issues like navicular or thin soles. Simply by letting the hoof do what it was developed to perform, we're frequently solving lameness problems that were actually being aggravated by the "fix" alone.
The Change Toward Composite Components
You might be wondering what these shoes are actually made of if they aren't metal. Quite often, we're talking about high-tech materials and rubbers. I actually know, "plastic horse shoes" sounds a little flimsy at very first, right? But the truth is, these types of materials are extremely tough. They're made to withstand the crazy amount of pressure a thousand-pound animal puts in it while still having the ability to contract.
Among the best things about the freedom shoe horse setup is the weight-loss. Steel is heavy. If you've ever picked up a discarded horseshoe, you know it's got some heft to it. Right now imagine swinging that will weight at the end of a long leg a large number of times a day time. It adds up. Switching to some lighter in weight, more flexible materials reduces the strain upon the tendons plus ligaments. It might only be the few ounces per foot, but more than the course associated with a five-mile trail ride or even a jumping round, that's the lot less exhaustion for that horse in order to deal with.
The Grip Aspect
Another thing people often forget about is traction. Metal on a paved street or perhaps a slick stone is basically a pair of ice skates. To fix that will, we usually possess to add borium or studs, which usually adds even even more weight and can cause its collection of problems. Blend shoes generally possess much better natural grip. They "grab" the ground more like a human sneaker does. This provides the horse a lot more self-confidence, especially if you're riding in different terrain where the footing will get a bit sketchy.
Transitioning Your Horse to Flexible Sneakers
If you're thinking about making the switch, it's not always as simple as just slapping on a fresh set of shoes and boots and heading out for the gallop. Your own horse's hooves might need a little time to adjust to the new "freedom. " Because the hoof can now increase more than it used to, the internal structures—like the digital cushioning and the frog—might need a several weeks to beef up and obtain utilized to the improved stimulation.
I've seen some proprietors get worried because their particular horse seems a tiny bit "ouchy" for the first day or two. Usually, that's only the blood flow coming back to areas that will were previously a little restricted. Of program, you should always talk in order to your farrier or even vet if something doesn't look right, but a short adjustment period will be pretty normal.
It's furthermore worth noting that your farrier's job changes a little bit here. Nailing a shoe on will be one skill; fitted a composite shoe or using specialized adhesives is another. Not every farrier is really a fan of these newer systems since they can be even more time-consuming to use. You want someone which actually understands the particular mechanics of a freedom shoe horse and doesn't just treat the particular new shoes like they're made of metal.
Typical Myths About Non-Traditional Shoeing
There's lots of chatter within the barn areas about why these types of shoes "don't work. " Let's knock a few associated with those down.
First away from, people often say they fall away more easily. In all honesty, that's usually a fitting or application issue. If the glue-on shoe is usually applied to a damp, dirty hoof, yes, it's going to pop off. Yet if the preparation work is performed right, those activities are like iron (pun intended). In fact, because the shoe flexes using the hoof rather compared with how fighting against it, there's often much less leverage to pull the shoe off in deep mud.
Another misconception is that they're only for "light" work. That's simply not true any more. You'll see endurance riders doing a 100 miles in flexible shoes, and you'll see upper-level jumpers using them to reduce impact on getting. They aren't simply for trail ponies or retirees; they're performance gear.
Is It Worthy of the Extra Cost?
Let's chat about the hippo in the room: the price. Yes, a freedom shoe horse setup is usually probably likely to price you more compared to a standard place of keg sneakers. The materials are more expensive to produce, and as I mentioned, the labour could be more involved. You might be looking at an extra fifty or a hundred bucks every six weeks.
But you have to look at the long-term math. If these sneakers assist in preventing a three-month lay-up due to a tendon stress or keep a horse sound to their twenties instead of retiring them with fifteen, the investment pays for itself quite quickly. Think of it as precautionary maintenance. You're paying a little more now in order to avoid massive vet bills and heartbreak later on.
Plus, there's the "feel" element. Most riders I know who make the particular switch say their particular horse just feels happier. They're even more willing to move out there, they have a larger stride, and these people don't seem as "stiff" the morning following a big workout. You can't really put a price tag on that will.
Choosing the best Balance
All in all, every single horse is definitely a person. Some horses have got feet like granite and do totally fine barefoot. Others have been in steel for 20 years and might discover the transition in order to a freedom shoe horse style the bit too much of a modification late in living. It's all about observing your horse and seeing what they need.
If your horse is struggling with flat soles, or if you sense like their movement is "choppy, " it could be time to look into even more flexible options. Speak to your farrier, do a few research on different brands, and perhaps even try a test period. It's among those things where when you see the distinction in how your horse carries them selves, it's really difficult to go back to the old way of doing issues.
Horse care is always evolving, and while tradition is great, we shouldn't be scared to embrace technology that actually can make our animals' lives better. After all, a horse that will moves better is usually a horse that's going to become with us, below saddle, for the whole lot more time. It's a fairly cool time to be a horse owner when you realize just how much we may do to support their natural biology while still experiencing all the sports activities and trails we all love.