So if the nails protrude a little bit (right after shoeing) does this add more concentrated concussion to the leg/bones? Is the nail too big?
Thanks for any input!
Are you talking about the nail heads, sticking out on the bottom of the shoe?
If yes, I am going to say that there is not concentrated concussion on the hoof sole in normal “horse” footing of dirt in arena, paddock or pasture, or even stone of drylot. I don’t think walking the horse in a hard surface aisle way, driveway, road, is going to make nail heads have any effect on the horse sole either.
Horseshoe nail heads are made to protrude about half their length, beyond the shoe surface. Nail heads are made to “seat” themselves into the square holes of horseshoes with their odd shape, to insure the shoes stay tight during the shoeing cycle.
Pictures would help, I also don’t know what you’re describing.
I would be less worried about “concussion” as the idea of the nail head eventually becoming flush and the tip protruding out and being a sharp hazard - or, that the nails aren’t clinched properly and the shoe will become loose.
My farrier has a special device to make sure the nail heads are tightly flush before he clinches the tips. I’m no expert but it seems like that is a useful step to make sure the shoe stays on properly.
The only real con with using bigger nails is that the bigger the nail, the bigger the holes made in the hoof. It’s not something I would worry too much about.
You are asking of the difference between “rough shod” and “smooth shod” and any strategic differences or consequences. Explanations better left to the farrier crowd, but there is your terminology.
Rough shod increases traction. Sometimes, on a hard surface, wear and tear can turn rough shod into smooth shod because the nail heads wear right down flush with the shoe. There wouldn’t necessarily be difference in concussion, but there would be different stresses on the leg due to increased traction.
