Hot shoeing

Question
Hi. I havea 13 yr. old Pinto gelding(Arab /Saddlebred cross)that had been barefoot and has white hooves that were breaking off in large chips resulting in very low heel.Ive had the trainers farrier start him with shoes.He only did the front (with orthosis pad then shoe) &left the back feet bare.He took so long that he thought he should wait til next time. Is this a common thing?Also ,is "hot shoeing"a risk for hoof damage or lamimitis if done wrong or should it be used at all? Im after a little more heighth in his hoof for saddleseat style of riding.Thank You!

Answer
HELLO ANNE...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

The fact that the farrier/shoer "took so long" sounds like he's inexperienced or just lacks knowledge ?? If I'm understanding you correctly.
When you've been trained properly...it does NOT take LONG to finish a horse with hot-shoeing.

Hot-shoeing is a very correct way of shoeing. Has been done for over 2000 yrs. and actually
improves the consistency of the wall/hoof capsule. Especially in wet conditions and with thin walled horses. It seals the trimmed hoof with a "light burn" to hold the natural moisture of the
capsule. Shoes WILL stay on longer IF properly applied. Not ALL HORSES need to be hot-shod, but
again, it improves the hoof capsule's condition. I have hot-shod horses for over 35 yrs. after starting off cold shoeing only and saw the difference in all the horses that I worked on.

The question of 'laminitis" is a whole different "ball-game". Hot-shoeing WILL NOT cause laminitis. The pad, in my estimation, is not necessary. What are you protecting?? There are
great pour-in pads that will give cushion and EASILY removed when necessary.

Since you want to achieve "height" with the hoof capsule, you may need a few shoeings for a
better hoof. That is why you're shoeing now, instead of staying barefoot.
Also pads on a hoof that you have described will cause "movement" between the shoe and hoof
which can cause loose shoes/lost shoes and NOT help the wall you are trying to improve !!

Half-shoeing a horse is very good when you want to cut cost and ride in conditions that won't
destroy hoof walls. Horses are front-end heavy (approx. 65% of a horses weight is in the
front-end). Horses that MAY get tender will improve greatly by at least putting shoes on the front. Again...quality trimming is the key!! Most horses that are left with alittle extra hoof wall will do fine barefooted, until "they tell us different".

Best to You...
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.