Shoeing FAQ - What are the signs of a poor or inappropriate shoeing job?

Question: Shoeing FAQ - What are the signs of a poor or inappropriate shoeing job?

Answer: Poor shoeing may cause the following problems:

• The horse’s gaits change (for the worse).
• The horse interferes or hits his fetlocks or pasterns to make nicks or bruises that are sore and can bleed.
• The horse forges or hits the underside of a front foot with a hind toe.
• The horse is lame.
• The shoes become loose within a very short time.

Although many things can cause these problems they are warning signs if they happen right after shoeing and nothing was amiss before shoes were put on. Discuss problems with your farrier and get a second and third opinion if you are unsure.

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