Have you ever noticed some ponies wearing shoes while others go barefoot? Here’s the scoop!
Shoes
A pony shoe is called a horseshoe. It’s usually made of metal and is nailed (painlessly!) into the pony’s hoof wall – the same way you can cut your fingernails without hurting yourself. Shoes help protect hooves from wearing down too quickly, especially if ponies work on hard or rocky ground. They can also be used to change the angles of the feet, protect the soles or maintain the shape of the hoof capsule.
Barefoot
Not every pony needs shoes. Some ponies have very strong, healthy hooves and can happily go barefoot. Owners often use a special trim from the farrier to keep their hooves neat and balanced. Barefoot ponies may also wear hoof boots when hacking out, a bit like trainers for ponies!
Who decides?
The farrier and owner (and sometimes the vet) decide what’s best for each pony. Factors include:
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The type of work the pony does (jumping, hacking, showing, etc.)
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The surfaces they’re ridden on
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The natural strength and shape of their hooves
- Health or conformation issues that make one option better than the other
Top tip
Next time your farrier visits, ask them whether your pony would do better barefoot or in shoes. By listening to their answer, you’ll learn a lot about your pony’s hoof health and why they are in the ‘footwear’ they are in!
