Corrective Shoeing: When and How
Learn when corrective shoeing is appropriate, which conditions respond to mechanical intervention, and how to select the right shoe modifications.
What Is Corrective Shoeing?
Corrective shoeing uses modified shoes, pads, and trim angles to address biomechanical problems in the equine hoof. It is not a substitute for veterinary care but works alongside it to improve soundness.
Common Conditions
Navicular syndrome, laminitis, club foot, underrun heels, long-toe/low-heel syndrome, and medial-lateral imbalances are the most frequent reasons for corrective work. Each requires a different approach.
Egg Bar Shoes
Egg bars extend heel support and are commonly used for navicular horses and those with underrun heels. They increase the ground surface area behind the center of the coffin joint.
Heart Bar Shoes
Heart bars provide frog pressure and are used primarily in laminitis cases to support the coffin bone. Proper fitting is critical. An improperly seated heart bar can cause more harm than good.
Wedge Pads and Degree Pads
Wedge pads raise the heel angle and are useful for horses with contracted tendons or acute laminitis. Two-degree and four-degree pads are standard. Avoid raising the angle more than necessary.
Working with Veterinarians
Always communicate with the horse's veterinarian when doing corrective work. Request radiographs for any case involving laminitis, navicular, or suspected coffin bone rotation. Document your work with photos and notes.
Sources and Further Reading
- • American Farriers Association - Provides certification standards and technical guidelines for therapeutic shoeing techniques and hoof care protocols
- • University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine - Offers research publications on equine podiatry and evidence-based approaches to corrective shoeing interventions
- • American Association of Equine Practitioners - Publishes clinical guidelines for diagnosing lameness conditions that benefit from mechanical shoeing corrections
- • Kentucky Equine Research - Conducts studies on hoof biomechanics and the effectiveness of various shoe modifications for specific conformational issues
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