04/06/2026
Before any trimming or shoeing begins, our fundamental first step is to watch the horse move.
This is Malc, an ex-racehorse who comes to the forge for some remedial shoeing.
By seeing the horse walk and trot up and down, subtle imbalances in the rest of the body, that aren’t always obvious when the horse is standing still, can be spotted.
The way a horse lands, tracks up, swings through its shoulders, or loads a limb can tell a farrier a lot about what’s happening in the hoof.
The hoof doesn’t work in isolation - it’s at the base of the entire body. A horse that is compensating for discomfort in one foot may show it through their stride length, posture, shoulder movement, hip action, or even how they carry their head and neck.
Assessing movement helps us identify uneven loading, balance issues, potential discomfort, and areas where corrective trimming or shoeing may improve comfort and performance.
It’s not just about looking at the feet - it’s about understanding how the whole horse moves.
