Performance minded shoeing

Does my horse need shoes?

My opinion is that your horse will have fewer lameness problems when he is wearing properly fitted shoes. However, a horse at rest, or one that is primarily ridden in sand is better off barefoot.

What is Hoof distortion?

The hoof, though it appears to be fixed and somewhat hard, is really a pliable complex object that will change shapes under pressure. Therefore, it is subject to distortion as the hoof grows and is in constant need of attention to maintain proper function. Distortions in the foot can lead to serious injury and should be avoided with proper trimming. Then as a whole I believe, we have grown so accustomed to seeing distortion in the hoof, that we have accepted it as normal. More than likely if the horses is supported correctly and the foot is allowed to have the liberty to adjust, it will return to the ideal position for that horses conformation.