the best shoe for a racehorse

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mr. Joepaul. i work with racehorses. can you tell me which shoe is the best to exercise and race the horses? steel or aluminum. my local farrier says that aluminum is lighter in weight when compared to steel but the trainer says that steel supports the horse hoof for maximum extent. can you please explain me in detail. i would be highly thankful to you if you do so.

ANSWER: HELLO ROBERTS...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

I have answered this question 3-4 times before.
Again...A horse THAT CAN RUN...HAS the ability... a "few" ounces up or down will NOT make
any difference !!!
Over the last 40+ years I have work with many Quarter horse, Thorobred & Paint horse
trainers, and MANY work or make decisions on experience AND superstition !!! Fact !!

Many times "right or wrong"; They'll go with what worked before AND not with what works with the individual horse.  Same thing with toe grabs- their length short or long ?!!??
Thank Goodness for many horses, they outlawed many plates/shoes and started running in low toes, queens plates and such !! Savings many legs and lower limb injuries.

AGAIN...Steel does not flex as much in a racing/running plate and is alittle more durable
in my expert opinion. Habits die hard...A trainer "will" stay with something ONLY because
of fear of failure !
Basically on a track, the reason for plates is JUST for traction!!

Best to You !!
Joepaul Meyers,CJF



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the answer sir. may i know what do you mean by "steel shoe donot flex"? does it mean they are not comfortable for horses and aluminum the best?

Answer
HELLO ROBERTS...

NO...Not at all. I think You are looking "too deep" into what shoe is better.
Steel plates are "more" rigid naturally, there is a "slight" give or flex to aluminum.

One is NOT better than the other...they have their "pros & cons".
One shoe/plate is NOT going to make the horse perform better or run faster.
With race horses it is probably 95% traction.

Contrary to myth and opinions, "weight IS NOT a factor!!
One plate weighing 4 ounces & the other 6 ounces...the horse DOES NOT know.

Best to You !!
Joepaul Meyers,CJF