reining/cutting and natural balance shoes

Question
My Nu-Cash mare is strong, athletic, and stout.  She is currently in Natural balance shoes. A Master Farrier told me she should not be in these shoes.  He indicated they were causing her to move incorrectly and showed me an area in both shoulders where she was sore, due to the shoes. I am confused and concerned.  He also indicated he has to correct the shoeing of 1/3 of his customers due to the Natural balance shoe.... Any input you might have to help?

Answer
HELLO HEIDI...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

Sounds like you have a very well-bred mare !! I know the breeding.

You ask enough farriers...you can get conflicting opinions. I am
starting my 37th year in the profession and have seen alot of gimmicks
...trust me!

In my educated opinion...the farrier you talked to is correct.
I will NOT use them. In our profession, many top farriers refer to
them as N.B.S. shoes ( Natural "b.s" shoes) you fill in the blanks!!

Horses were meant to be supported by the hoof capsule/wall and the other inner structures as frog/digital cushion and such. The sole is for protection and should not be over-loaded.
One principle of the NBS is to leave alittle extra sole at the anterior of the hoof to support the NBS shoe. In many cases, it causes undue pressure and soreness. I have many times, relieved some of the callus left under the NBS and removed "sole-pressure" which is VERY IMPORTANT and the horses were immediately better.

There are a few farriers that will use them and not have much trouble.
I feel that some horses just have a GREAT TOLERANCE and can handle anything for awhile. That being said...I see a great number of them later at the clinics that I work and they have problems.
They are also supposed to help breakover. If that is the case, then roll or rock the toe of your shoe and have better results !!

Again, I agree with your Master Farrier.
Wish you the Best!!
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.