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Why Do Horses Need Horseshoes?
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Illustration of a horseshoe and horse's hoof Making horseshoes
Illustration of a horseshoe and horse's hoof
Illustration of a horseshoe and horse's hoof Encyclopaedia Britannica First Edition plate illustration of a horseshoe and a horse's hoof. To fit a horseshoe, part of the hoof nearer to the heel must be narrower than the rest of the horseshoe.

Why Do Horses Need Horseshoes?

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Horses need horseshoes to protect their hooves from wear and tear on hard or rough surfaces. When horses walk on such terrains, their hooves can break or split open. The U-shaped metal plate of a horseshoe helps to prevent this wear, ensuring that the hooves remain intact and healthy over time. This is particularly important for horses that are frequently used for work or travel.

Horses’ hooves are naturally hard and dense, which allows horseshoes to be securely nailed in place. Horseshoes not only protect the hooves but also enhance a horse’s performance by providing additional traction and stability. This is crucial for horses that are involved in activities requiring agility and speed, such as racing or jumping.

The practice of shoeing horses dates back to Roman times and contributed significantly to the development of metallurgy and the craft of blacksmiths.

Making horseshoes
Making horseshoesMen making horseshoes in a cavalry camp on Salisbury Plain in the United Kingdom during World War I (1914–18).
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica