Horseshoes are designed to protect horses hooves the same way shoes protect our feet. Horseshoes were popularized as horses became domesticated as a way to protect the horses hoofs in inhospitable climates. Many breeds of horses were not bred with hoof strength in mind leading to weaker hoofs in some breeds.

Why do farmers use horseshoes?

The first people to ride and farm with horses realized over 2,000 years ago that hard work wore down horse hooves faster than they could grow. To alleviate problems from worn hooves, horseshoes were invented. Thin, metal horseshoes attached to hooves help to slow down the rate at which the hooves wear down.

Why do horses need shoes and cows don t?

Most people know that horses wear shoes call horseshoes but, did you know oxen sometimes wear shoes too? Horses wear shoes to prevent their hooves from wearing down on rough ground. Shoes can also help if a horse has a weak hoof or issues with a leg muscle.

Do horses get shot if they break a leg?

A broken leg can “cause damage to blood vessels and other tissue” and, having evolved as a prey animal, horses need to stay on their feet most of the time, which can prevent healing. Should an injury prove to be career-ending, it is common practice that horses are sent to an abattoir licensed to slaughter horses.

What happens if you dont shoe a horse?

Even if a horse goes barefoot some or all of the time, then their hooves will still regular trimming and maintenance. Much like our nails, a horses hooves will grow continually if not maintained.