Barrel horse and Shoes?

Question

Should you shoe your horse for the barrels?

What are the pros and cons?

Answer 1

All About Horseshoes

Types of Horseshoes

Horseshoes are made from steel, aluminum, synthetics, titanium, brass, and even rawhide.

Horseshoes come in two basic configurations: open heeled and bar. The two basic types have an infinite number of variations which can be custom fitted to a horse.

A horseshoe can also have additional features such as clips, calks, jar calks, s***w-ins, bubbles, or grabs.

The Reason for Horseshoes

Protection

Traction

Movement

Protection

Protection is the main reason to shoe a horse. If a horse's foot wear exceeds the foot growth, the foot must be protected in some way to prevent soreness. Once sore it's best to turnout the horse while the foot grows out.

Steel

The most common type of horseshoe used today is made of steel. Steel horseshoes are readily available and easy to attach. They can be modified with minimal skill. Most Farriers use only steel horseshoes. However, sometimes a horse needs another type of horseshoe.

Aluminum

Aluminum horseshoes are widely used in flat and harness racing. They are also used on the fronts of barrel horses where the weight of the horseshoe is important. Aluminum is also very popular on the fronts of hunters because it enhances a hunter's way of going. Aluminum is also preferred by veterinarians because its greater width and thickness (compared to steel) can be used for the protection of sensitive structures without adding weight.

Titanium is sometimes used on horses that need a light, strong horseshoe in the front. For example, race horses which routinely bend aluminum horseshoes, or jumpers and barrel horses that make sharp turns at speed. Titanium is gaining popularity for routine use on speed horses.

When getting your horses shoed let the farrier know that you are goin to be barrel racing your horse!!

Answer 2

Shoes aren't nesissary, especially if your horse is barefoot already. I don't know anything about barrel racing but by watching a few videos, it looks like that front shoes may help keep the horse's feet in better condition due to all the skidding..?

Answer 3

yes you should. it protects the feet from being bruised and/ or chipped. the only bad thing is that it doesn't let the hoof expand as it would w/out shoes. only shoe if you are going to do a fast lope and faster.