Heart Bar Shoes

[ottbbabe]

My horse usually wears a bar shoe on one foot (he fractured his coffin bone a year ago and is now 100% sound and back into full work, but we use extra support just to be safe), but my farrier put on a heart bar shoe this time. I don’t know why he did this because my horse has no hoof problems and is sound, but I’m guessing it was the only thing he had in his truck at that moment that fit my horse well. I don’t know anything about this shoe so I am wondering if I can still keep my horse in full work with this shoe one? Full work meaning w/t/c on the ground and under saddle, trotting over poles, and occasionally turn out in the arena, where he gallops around.

I was not at this farrier appointment, but my mom was. I trust my farrier, he had been in the business over 50 years and is highly recommended in my area. I just want to know more about the heart bar and what my horse can do in it.

[kdreger]

When used correctly a heart bar shoe can allow a flat spread out hoof develop a cup again. They also can save a horses life that has foundered and even correct a coffin bone that is rotated.

Is there any pressure on the point of the heart on the frog of your horse? If there is a gap then it is functioning as a simple bar shoe.

Are you possitive it is a heartbar?
heartbar shoe pic

[ottbbabe]

100% positive it’s a heart bar. I’ll look for a gap between the frog and the heart bar. Do you know if my horse can remain in full work with this shoe on?

[alibi_18]

No one here, or anywhere on the web, could tell you if your horse can remain in full work. Only you know, or your trainer, your vet and/or your farrier could tell.

Is there a reason why you cannot call your farrier?

[kdreger]

[QUOTE=ottbbabe;8142977]
100% positive it’s a heart bar. I’ll look for a gap between the frog and the heart bar. Do you know if my horse can remain in full work with this shoe on?[/QUOTE]

Yes, it sounds like your farrier is good and had a reason for them so he should be fine. Your horse will let you know if there is something wrong.

[JBD]

I recommend having a conversation with your farrier. Improperly used and/or fitted, a heart bar can cause problems.

[PoohLP]

As long as your horse is sound, There is no reason a horse cannot work with a heart bar shoe on. My horse has heart bars on both front feet because he has low heels and they provide extra support and protection to keep the heels from being worn down. I’m reasonably certain your farrier did not choose the shoe bc it was all he had. For one they, they cost more th an a regular shoe. I’m sure he used it for a reason. Yiu should ask him what it was.

Anyway, the answer is yes. You can do full work in a heart bar.