In my world.....a horse with shoes only on the front is only half shod....I have had 2 horses in my life that you could get away without getting them shod at times....we have way too many rocks etc here to even think of not having them shod up....I would rather have them shod and ready... then to ride them without and end up with a horse you can't use for a time....just my thoughts....

might also be deciding factor on what your doing with the horse also as to weather or not put nikes on the back...

Well here goes. Why do we shoe? to protect the feet NO!!!!!!! to maintain boney colume allinment, If the foot is wearing more on 1 side than the other then shoes are needed, the foot wears out of balance for a reson. Weither it be back, leg,foot problems there is a reson, you need to work with the farrier, vet/chiopracter and who ever is managing the horse in a team effert. Remember also that it all depends on what you are asking the horse to do. The front feet are broad at the toe to help the horse pull his self forward, the rear feet are more pointed to grab and push off. There is no formula to determen if we need shoes, each horse is dfferant than the next, My bronc is 7 and never been shod, that will change this year as I will ask him to do more in rough country. Fallow yer farriers advice, remember also that the farrier deals with feet and conformation and a good one will attend continueing education to help his self, you and your horse. We see feet &legs all day long the vet got less than 20 hours eduction on the foot. So theres my 2 cents worth I could go on but won't, just listen to your farrier and put trust in him/her. Remember if the horse is haveing trouble it may take 4 to 6 shoeings for the farrier to figure him out, also if the farrier ask for xrays do it they are a tool that we need to help you and your horse. HOSS

I only shoe my horses on the front to give extra support. I have done show horses for the last 10 years and we only shod on the front unless they had issues on the back.

Onehorse, Well said, I can't add a thing except just make sure you watch your horse to see if you are having any lameness problems. Double

Thanks singlefilly :-) My farrier said he doesn't need them in the back either, but to me (who does know lots, but has 2 eyes) the back look pretty worn down.

I'm sure you'll be hearing from some of the professional shoers with better advice than me, but ... mechanically about 60% of the horses weight goes into the front hoofs and so the fronts take a greater pounding. That's why many people opt for shoes in the front only. Whether you should shoe the fronts or all four hoofs or go barefoot depends on the terrain you ride, the climate and moisture, but most important the physical make-up of your horse. If their feet are soft or prone to chipping, cracking or splitting ... extra protection, i.e., shoes would probably be appropriate -- front and back. Also, the physical structure of the hoof is a factor -- if there's a nice concave structure and the hoof sole is raised then it is not as susceptible to bruising and shoes might not be as necessary as if the sole is flatter. My suggestion is not to be afraid to shoe or not shoe -- see what your horse works best at.

My competition horses are only shoed on front. we hardly ever do the rear unless for support or problematic feet. we dont ride on rocks we are in arenas and open hay pastures so..no problems jumpers can benefit for traction.

Hi All, I am wondering what is the criteria in deciding whether to only shoe the front or to do all four? Any advice? Thanks!!