Switched to a lighter shoe on a draft cross and saw a big change in his stride

I had a big Belgian cross with a heavy, flat foot that always seemed to drag a bit. On a hunch, I put him in a size 2 aluminum shoe instead of the usual steel. After about three weeks, his owner called to say he was moving with a much quicker, cleaner step (her words, not mine). I guess the weight difference, even just a few ounces per shoe, really matters for some of these bigger, slower-moving horses. Anyone else seen a big change from just switching shoe material?

2 comments

2 Comments

julia8435d ago

That weight difference can be a real game changer. It's not just about the foot coming up faster, it's about the whole leg cycle. A heavier shoe makes the leg act like a longer pendulum, which really slows everything down. You see it most in horses that are already a bit lazy or built downhill. Switching to aluminum is basically taking weights off their ankles. Makes you wonder how many "just a heavy mover" types are actually wearing the wrong shoes.

joelsanchez5d ago

My old farrier said aluminum shoes can save like a pound per foot, @julia843.