Q&A for How to Shoe a Horse

The smooth side of the nail head faces to the outside. This is extremely important, because as the nail is being driven, the tip of the nail will angle toward the smooth side of the nail. If done incorrectly, the nail tip will go into the horse's hoof instead of coming out through the hoof wall, causing the horse a great deal of pain and putting the person shoeing the horse in danger.

No, the horse cannot feel anything. It is just like when you clip your nails, you cannot feel anything.

Yes, that is why you need to find a hoof trimmer or a farrier. Always get your horse's feet trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.

Retired horses don't need shoes, just proper hoof care.

Depending on the shoe you use, a "normal" shoe would not cover the frog at the back of the heel but other shoes that run in a circle-like shape do cover it.

Horses need horseshoes so that their hooves don't become damaged when they are in used rodeos or as work horses.

As many as the farrier deems necessary with their applied knowledge. Don't shoe your own horses!

It notches out a small part of the hoof wall under the clinch to allow the clinch to fit smoothly within the hoof wall rather than on the hoof wall surface.

You may be meaning a toe "clip." Most shoes are not punched for nails at the toe. A toe clip will help prevent the shoe from slipping backwards in extreme torque situations, as when the horse lands after a jump. The sudden stopping torque can cause the shoe to slip back and become loose. For most normal riding, though, clips are not necessary. Clips are not for weak walled horses; the clip can cause an injury if the shoe should come loose and the horse steps on it.

It depends on whether you are on dirt or pavement. For dirt, many use shoes with caulks on the bottom to help the horse grip the ground better when starting and stopping. For pavement, most use what is called "hard facing". This is an extremely hard substance that is welded to the shoes to give extra grip. It is important to use a good pad under the shoe to help with a bit of shock absorption as pavement is very hard on a horses joints. Many full-time pavement riders, such as police horses, use rubber shoes.

He's going to limp for quite some time. Don't ride him and try to make him as comfortable as possible. Aspirin will help. Put rubber mats in his stall. Put him in boots to take the pressure off the feet. Look for signs of access, because despite your efforts, there may be infection because of the penetration. An experienced horse vet or farrier will be able to give you a good assessment.

You may use a special glue to hold the horseshoe in place, but they are not designed to handle heavy riding.

It is not safe to shoe your own horse. Farriers have proper education and experience. People who wish to become farriers, apprentice with a more experienced farrier to learn how it works. Many also go to school to learn in addition to this. One wrong move, and your horse can go permanently lame. If you can't afford to put shoes on your horse that needs them, you can look into hoof boots, which cushion and protect the hoof while you ride or lunge him, so you only have to pay for a trim. If you want to do everything the most difficult way, ask a good farrier to help you learn to trim your horse's hooves.

Please, do not shoe your own horse - he could go permanently lame. Farriers apprentice other farriers and go to school for several months or even years before they are qualified to shoe a horse for a client.