my horse moves that has soundest issues seems to move comfortably in in italian rock n" roll which are aluminum . My farrier made some comment about aluminum not being healthy for his feet. I would like to hear some opinions on aluminum verses steel or even polyethylene.
thank you In advance!
https://hejay18.wordpress.com/category/aluminum-vs-steel-shoes/
Read all the way down - sort of an answer to your question.
I don’t think of aluminum as healthy or unhealthy. Some horses don’t like it because it can be a little too “sting-y”, but I’ve had horses in aluminum over a longer period of time and haven’t ever had a problem on a horse that doesn’t mind the material. Actually, I haven’t had a horse that seemed sensitive to aluminum shoes yet, though my sample size is fairly small with maybe 5 of mine going into aluminum over the years?
People also say that living in wedge pads is terrible and will eventually ruin a horse’s foot. But I’ve had a TB who’s been in wedge pads for close to 10 years now and his foot is absolutely the same now as it was when he went into them.
As with anything, I think it comes down to why you’re using it and how “on it” your farrier is with how/why it’s being used.
Steel shoes have better metallic memory than aluminum. That is, they do absorb some shock and concussion, and spring back to shape better than aluminum shoes do. Aluminum shoes will tend to spread in the heels more than steel ones do, because as they undergo stress, they do not retain their shape as well, due to the lack of metallic memory. Which isn’t usually a huge deal in the hunter ring, but can become so in certain instances. The lack of weight with an aluminum shoe can be helpful in keeping action lower to the ground, but it is a trade off with the increased wear on the softer metal requiring more often shoeing. The constant shoeing done at racetracks can be a source of foot trouble, not enough growth to put nails into new horn makes for less secure shoes. Lack of growth of hooves is endemic at racetracks, as are tender feet.
What is going to work best for any particular horse is individual to that horse, his feet, his environment and his workload.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
