Just like we humans have different types of shoe materials, horses have it just like that. Although these materials were not available in the past, their introduction has been able to change the equine field. In this read, we’re going to talk about one of the extremely vital factors when it comes to equine shoes, the material.
Because even if you knew how to make a generalized selection, the relevance of the material can change that adequacy. This is why we’re disclosing everything you need to know on the subject.
The three recommended types
Although there are a number of materials by which equine shoes are made, the three major types that can be recommended are aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic. You would ask whether or not plastic will be able to withstand the harsh movements of the feet of the horses, and that’s reasonable; this isn’t the type of everyday plastic you find but equine plastic that is used to make equine shoes.
Availability of the sizes
Plastic shoes made for horses seem to have picked up popularity during the last few years. But even with that demand, there isn’t an abundance of these painless and convenient shoes in all sizes. Thus, if you feel like there’s a need, it doesn’t hurt to make a custom order at all rather than waiting for the seller to restock.
The need for nails go a long way
Although you can glue the plastic ones on the hoof by the use of special glue, the role of the horseshoe nails goes a very long way. In fact, you can use nails for plastic shoes as well. However, we highly recommend buying the stainless steel equine nails from the same seller from whom you’re buying the shoes. If not, there’s a reasonable chance for the shoes not to be well nailed to the hoof, and that complicates things.
Average price per unit
Usually, the steel shoes come at a price lesser than 9$ when the plastic ones are close to 45$ per unit, and it’s very reasonable for it to be like that.
Compatibility with the horse breed
There are many horse breeds such as Arabian, Morgan, Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, Draft, and even gait. Not all of these horses can use the same material of shoes, except for the steel ones. Thanks to the resilience, the steel shoes get to maintain their ground no matter how severe their use was.
Not all sellers are reliable
Our final piece of advice is never to buy shoes from questionable sellers. For all you know, you might be spending on a poorly made piece of iron that only looks like a shoe for the horse.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the role of the shoes of your horses is quite prominent in providing them a comfortable life. Hence, when you come across these materials from which the shoes are made, you need to pay attention to whether or not the material suits your horse even if all the other factors do.