Ask Dr. Kaia 
Q: Should I leave my horse unshod or is it ok to leave shoes on year around? I have a horse that I have to keep shod all year or he is lame.
A: People don't realize the effects of shoeing on a horse's feet! Keeping shoes on your horse all year will keep the feet looking the way you are used to seeing them, but it does not allow feet to flex and expand the way they naturally would. If you would be amazed if you could see the amount of change in the size of the foot in just a few minutes. This is part of the reason that the shoer has to keep reshaping the shoe; the foot is changing shape!
It is best to let the
horse have a few months of the year that he goes barefoot to
allow the hoof to attain natural shape and balance, but if you
have a horse with bad, flat feet, you may find this difficult
to do. If you must keep the shoes on, be sure to use the largest
shoe size that fits him and you can leave the heel nails out
to let the heel expand. I will answer more on this subject later
as foot problems are so common.
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108
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