Between a tweaked horseshoe and the Farrier – what to do!

 

For the most part, a sprung, partially yanked-off, or tweaked horseshoe needs to be managed on a case-by-case basis. For some tweaked shoes, leaving it on is the best case. Other times, like if it’s hanging on by a thread, it’s time for you to remove it before the farrier comes to tack it back on.

 

jump to shopping

 

  • If the shoe is basically on and only missing a nail or two, you may be OK.

 

  • If the shoe is bent, your horse will have a hard time standing on it and it will likely need to come off.

 

  • Any twisting should be taken on a case-by-case basis also.

 

  • If you are unsure if the tweaked shoe should come off, chat with your farrier and perhaps send your farrier a photo of it via message or email.

 

 

lost horseshoe found in field

“Oh hey, it only took you an hour to find my shoe. I’ll hide it better next time.”

 

How to protect the hoof without a horseshoe

 

 

  • Find the shoe if it was “removed” by your horse in his stall or paddock. No need for him to step on it later and hurt himself. Also, it gives your farrier something to work with that “matches” his remaining shoes. Even bent shoes have a chance of being banged back into the correct shape.

Protect what’s left after a tweaked shoe

 

  • Prevent damage to your horse’s naked hoof. A naked hoof that normally has a shoe on it is likely going to be FINE. But, if any hoof wall was removed along with the shoe, or he spent some time doing cartwheels and shenanigans while semi barefoot on one hoof, he may have picked up a bruise or a soreness. No need to add to that.

 

  • Treat anything that you suspect is not 100%. Keep watch on his tendons, and if there are chunks of hoof wall missing you may want to chat with the Vet also about what you can do. Often times there are cuts, scrapes, and swelling that are associated with a sprung shoe.

 

 

horseshoe that was pulled from a hoof and the nails still attached

Nails make pokey things – so always walk the field to find the sprung shoe!

 

  • In order to prevent damage and give the naked hoof some TLC, I always like to “wrap” a shoeless hoof until the farrier can arrive. Even if it’s only for a few hours, it’s a good idea. The easiest way to do this is with a diaper. You may want to toss in some hoof packing if you think your wild beast ran back and forth through some unforgiving paddock footing. I’ll take a quick hoof bandage or a hoof boot before a duct tape pad any day. But use what you have.

 

hoof wrap on a horse hoof

A nice and affordable hoof bandage.

 

  • Remember that you should not wrap any sort of tape around the coronary area. If you are without a boot, you will need to add many layers of duct tape to the bottom of the hoof area. A fluffy bed of shavings will be fine for a diaper without a boot, but you want to skip the turnout.

 

 

diaper in hard hoof boot

Heavy-duty boots with a nice tread on the bottom. You could also go with a canvas boot with a leather bottom, or any of the dozens to pick from.

 

What you should NOT do is trim the hoof or use a rasp before the farrier can get to you. That should be done right before the shoe gets replaced.

 

go shopping button for horse products

 

Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

12/10/2024 07:34 am GMT
The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet BOOK
$45.00 $29.36

If hooves are your jam, this book is for you. 

12/10/2024 01:28 am GMT
EASYCARE Easyboot Rx Therapy
$80.95

For added squish during laminitis or other painful hoof trauma.

12/10/2024 01:29 am GMT
Magic Cushion Hoof Packing 4LBS
$54.59

The gold standard for stinging hooves and anytime you need to pack the hooves.

12/10/2024 01:29 am GMT
EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Hoof Boot
$103.95

Support and softness for laminitis and other painful hoof conditions.

12/10/2024 01:29 am GMT
Grand Circuit White Lightning Liquid (64 oz)
$106.50 $99.94

Buy bulk and save! This is great for stubborn hoof infections like seedy toe and thrush.

12/10/2024 01:33 am GMT
Quiessence (Large-14 lbs)
$85.98

This supplement helps high-laminitis risk horses and has calming ingredients like magnesium.

12/10/2024 01:29 am GMT
Professional's Choice Ballistic No-Turn Overreach Bell Boots
$33.99

The gold standard for bell boots in a rainbow of colors.

12/10/2024 11:18 am GMT
CENTAUR Double Tab Bell Boots
$17.56 $14.95

So bright and fun for hoof protection.

12/10/2024 11:03 am GMT
Cavallo Horse & Rider Sport Regular Sole Hoof Boot
$149.51

These boots are my favorite for wrapping hooves with poultice or clay and a diaper. No more duct tape boots! You can also use inserts with these for more squish.

12/10/2024 01:28 am GMT
Cavallo Simple Hoof Boot for Horses, Size 3, Black
$181.99

This style is great to protect the hoof, but is not soft and squishy for laminitis cases.

12/10/2024 01:47 am GMT
CHALLENGER Crease Nail Puller Shoe
$42.99

Using this makes shoe removal easy!

12/10/2024 10:53 am GMT
EASYCARE Easyboot Glove Soft Hoof Boot for Horses, Neoprene, Elastic Gaiter, All-Terrain Tread (2)
$93.95 $80.41

These boots are great for protecting barefoot horses.

12/10/2024 06:08 am GMT
Silver Bells - Sox For Horses

For hoof protection when equine pastern dermatitis is a risk.

Durasole
$16.80
12/10/2024 04:13 am GMT
Handson Ergonomic Hoof Pick
$19.99

This is the strongest hoof pick available!

12/10/2024 05:47 am GMT

Thank you!

Scroll to Top