Q.
> I'm trying to locate some information for my farrier about shoeing
Tennessee
> Walking Horses. I've just purchased a 3 year old gelding
and he's pretty
> much the only one within about 300 miles. My farrier
asked me to do some
> research to see what hoof angles to use. He's concerned
that he not badly
> affect the horse's gait or do any tendon or ligament damage.
The horse flat
> walks, running walks, racks and canters.
>
>
>
> Could you direct me to someone who could help my farrier?
I appreciate any
> information you can provide. We're pretty isolated up
here in northern
> Maine and TWH are pretty rare critters.
A.
After 57 years of shoeing all types of horses, ponies, and mules. I
can tell your farrier that TWHs and other gaited breeds are not much different
than other breeds. IMO, all horses should be trimmed to their natural angles.
The front hooves should be at the same angle as the shoulder and pastern.
The rear hooves should be at the same angle as the hip and rear pastern.
Gaited horses usually have a little longer hoof than stock type horses.
Depending on the size of the horse the toe length on GHs is between 3 1/2"
to 5". The shoes that I use are just plain, flat, cowboy keg shoes. There
is really nothing "exotic" about shoeing gaited horses. If you or your
farrier would like to talk with me about any of this, I can be reached
about any night at 417-473-6574 Best time is 8-11 PM CDT.
Bob