Saw a horse in Boise with a full bar shoe and a pad, which got me thinking

I was at the Ada County Fairgrounds last weekend and noticed a reiner with a full bar shoe and a thick pad on all four feet. The owner said their farrier recommended it for extra support on the hard ground. But I've always been taught pads can trap moisture and lead to thrush if you're not super careful with cleaning. What's your take on using pads for arena work versus just a good trim and maybe a regular shoe?

4 comments

4 Comments

mark_carr71mo ago

Oh, that's a common worry! A good farrier will pack the space with a proper material like silicone to prevent that exact problem.

parkerbrown1mo ago

Silicone in a HORSE'S hoof?

avery2191mo ago

Yeah, it's a real thing.

jackson.faith1mo ago

Wait, hold up. That's not for packing the hoof itself. It's a pad that goes between the shoe and the hoof for cushioning.