There are a lot of different things that go into a great race horse. However, what most people do not think about is the fact that race horses are most successful if they have a good farrier working on their shoes before the big race.
What Is a Horseshoe Farrier?
A farrier is someone that creates horse shoes for the horses to wear. A pair of shoes that do not fit properly, much the same as with your own, will not feel comfortable, may rub sores, and do more damage to the hoof. For a race horse, this could be very bad since they depend on their hoofs and feet to carry them quickly around the track. These shoes are designed to give the horse a balanced foot. This allows them to walk longer and work harder without wearing their hooves down. Horse shoes are not one size fits all. Each horse may require a different type of shoe and this is why a farrier is very important.
Types of Shoes
The special shoes that are available may help horses who have minor issues with their hoof. For instance, if a horse has a Navicular disease they may require a shoe that is shaped like an egg. This will increase the amount of ground bearing surface for the horse hoof. The same is accomplished with a bar shoe. Different shoes meet different requirements that may be specifically needed for that horse. The one exception is racing shoes are called racing plates. They are lighter than other shoes since they are made of aluminum. This makes it easier on the horse and best suited for the horses that you see at the track.