Therapeutic horseshoeing is the shoeing for the treatment of lameness, genetic or congenital defects. The goal is to reduce pain, aid in healing and return the horse to normal activity. The best approach to therapeutic horseshoeing is a team effort of the veterinarian, farrier and most importantly the owner.

The good news is that many causes of equine lameness are preventable. Improper diets, underfeeding, overfeeding, overworking, neglect, barn hazards, cleanliness or improper shoeing increase the chance of injury or disease. When the veterinarian, farrier and owner work together,  the team may help prevent the need for therapeutic shoeing.

We use and recommend Vettec hoofcare products in our therapeutic horseshoeing.   

Medial Hoof Support Shoeing

The pictures below are of a case where the horse's confirmation causes his hoof to be set to the inside. To properly balance the horse, we had to set the shoe to the outside. This moves the support for the shoe under the center of the horse. This is something the horse can not do on his own. If he were to go without shoes, his hoof would break down. The shoe is extended and hangs to the outside to put him in proper balance. A half round shoe is set back slightly for even break over as the horse has high ring bone.