Getting shoed, or having horseshoes put on, is an essential part of caring for domestic horses. Horseshoes protect the hoof from wear and tear and provide grip on various surfaces. But do horses actually like having shoes put on their hooves? Here’s a look at the evidence.
Do horses show signs of enjoying getting shoed?
Horses do not demonstrate obvious, overt signs of enjoying the shoeing process itself. Most horses show little reaction and tolerate it stoically. However, horses do exhibit behaviors that suggest getting shoed doesn’t bother them:
- Most horses cooperate with the farrier and stand quietly while being shoed.
- Many horses seem relaxed, resting a hind leg or even dozing off during shoeing.
- Horses rarely show negative behaviors like pinning ears back or trying to kick the farrier.
So while horses don’t act like they love getting shoed, they generally act as though the process doesn’t hurt or upset them. Their calm, complacent behavior implies a neutral to positive association with the routine.
Are there signs horses dislike shoeing?
Some horses do show aversions to getting shoed. Behaviors may include:
- Fidgeting and weight shifting during shoeing.
- Tossing or shaking the head.
- Showing the whites of the eyes.
- Pinning ears back.
- Nipping or turning to bite at the farrier.
- Kicking or threatening to kick.
- Sweating and muscle tremors.
However, these behaviors are relatively uncommon and usually reflect underlying physical discomfort or past negative experiences rather than an innate objection to shoeing itself. With patience and proper training, most horses can learn to accept shoeing without protest.
Do horses show signs of discomfort during shoeing?
Shoeing should never be a painful process. However, some horses do exhibit occasional signs of discomfort or sensitivity:
- Flicking the tail at certain points.
- Subtle shifting, head tossing or ear pinning.
- Leaning away from pressure on sensitive areas.
A skilled farrier is alert to these signals and can adjust accordingly. Usually minor discomfort reflects individual sensitivity, not overall objection to shoeing. Proper hoof preparation, gentleness and a comfortable stance can keep discomfort during shoeing to a minimum.
Do horses become more comfortable after getting shoed?
The primary purpose of horseshoes is to increase comfort. There are several ways shoeing helps:
- Shoes prevent excess hoof wear and allow horses to travel over hard or rocky surfaces comfortably.
- Corrective shoeing helps align poorly conformed hooves, preventing strain.
- Shoes provide traction and minimize slipping on slick surfaces.
- Specialized shoes like pads cushion concussive impacts.
Good farriery improves a horse’s gait, attitude and ability to perform. So while the process itself may be neutral, horses do seem to appreciate the benefits of shoeing overall.
Do some horses show a stronger dislike of shoeing than others?
A small percentage of horses show definite aversion to shoeing even after experienced handling. This is often true of:
- Abused or neglected horses with painful associations.
- Previously injured horses anticipating pain.
- Horses with chronic hoof sensitivity or pathologies.
- Horses with little handling or training.
With time and positive experiences, such horses can usually overcome negative responses. But a small number retain lasting dislike of shoeing. This doesn’t necessarily mean the horse objects to shoes themselves though.
Can horses be trained to accept shoeing?
Yes, horses’ attitudes toward shoeing are not innate and fixed. Through proper training, even resistant horses can learn to tolerate and cooperate with the process. Some effective techniques include:
- Getting horses accustomed to handling of their legs and hooves from a young age.
- Introducing horses to farrier tools and activities gradually.
- Exercising patience and not rushing difficult horses.
- Using positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
- Practicing correct and comfortable restraint as needed.
With time and consistency, shoeing can become a routine experience rather than an adversarial one. Training helps minimize any discomfort and teaches horses their role in cooperating.
Do horses have individual personality differences in tolerating shoeing?
Like all activities with humans, individual horse personality plays a role in shoeing tolerance. For example:
- Nervous horses may require more slow, gentle handling.
- Stoic horses may tolerate discomfort without outward signs.
- Curious/oral horses may be distracted by treats or toys.
- Dominant horses may test boundaries and need firm guidance.
- Timid horses may lean on handlers for security.
A good farrier works with the horse’s individual personality type to make the process as smooth as possible. No single technique works on all horses.
Do some horse breeds tolerate shoeing better than others?
Some horse breeds are known for cooperating well with shoeing due to breed traits like:
- Draft breeds – accustomed to extensive handling; genetically stoic.
- Stock horse breeds – bred to be tolerant of routine care.
- Warmbloods – often have calm temperaments.
- Gaited breeds – cooperative and people-oriented.
However, temperament varies more within than between breeds. Any individual can be trained with proper methods and patience. Negative past experiences usually override breed tendencies.
Do mares and geldings differ in shoeing attitudes?
Mares have a reputation for being more temperamental than geldings about handling and routines. However, controlled studies show no major differences between mares and geldings in cooperation with shoeing. Both genders have compliant and resistant individuals.
As with breeds, gender stereotypes inadequately predict an individual horse’s behavior. Each horse should be evaluated independently regardless of gender when training for shoeing tolerance.
Do foals accept shoeing willingly if started young?
Introducing foals to handling and farrier work from an early age can help prevent future issues. Benefits of early exposure include:
- Familiarity with sights, sounds, smells and feel of shoeing procedure.
- Development of trust and cooperation with handlers.
- Prevention of fear responses to novel experiences as adults.
However, shoeing young, developing hooves too early can cause problems. Most foals do not actually need shoes until 6-12 months old. Their first trim introduces them gradually to the activity without stressing tissues.
Conclusion
While horses do not demonstrate overt enjoyment of the shoeing process, most tolerate it impassively provided it is not painful. Some dislike being shoed due to past experiences, while others are relatively stoic. With proper training and handling, however, even resistant horses can learn to accept shoeing calmly. The benefits of improved comfort post-shoeing most likely outweigh any minor discomfort during the procedure for horses.
