Glue-on shoes are EVERYWHERE in my local circuit now

Lately, I can't go to a show without seeing at least three horses with glue-on shoes. The farriers here claim it's better for hoof health and performance. Has this caught on where you are, or is my area just jumping on the bandwagon?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason_fisher1mo ago

Is your barn practically held together with adhesive at this point too? My coach tried to convince me to switch my mare, but I'm the human equivalent of a glue-on fail. Last time I tried a DIY repair, I accidentally superglued my thumb to a hoof pick for twenty minutes. So maybe don't take my word on any of this new tech.

the_fiona1mo ago

Wait, hold up, the farrier isn't using stuff from a craft store. That's a totally different kind of adhesive made just for hooves. A proper glue-on shoe job needs a specific setup and skill, it's not a DIY thing at all. The real benefit is how it lets the hoof flex more naturally compared to a nail. It's definitely more than a bandwagon thing where I am, seems like a solid option for a lot of horses.

harper_singh1mo ago

Actually, our barn tried glue-ons for a few months last year. We had two horses develop thrush because moisture got trapped under the adhesive. The farrier here, who's been in business for decades, says nails allow for better air circulation around the hoof wall. I remember one gelding who was always stumbling after the glue-ons, but that might just be him. Maybe it works in dry climates, but with our muddy springs, it's been a real problem. I'm not convinced the flexibility benefit outweighs the risk of infection.