Pros and cons of plastic horseshoes

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Having previously been dismissed except for remedial purposes, plastic and glue-on shoes have undergone a revolution and they are now mounting a major assault on the market.

Farrier Simon Moore, who has experience fitting both conventional and other types of shoe, says: “Previous attempts at manufacturing plastic and glue-on shoes have been hindered because the materials and adhesives used have not been strong enough.

“But now that both have evolved and become stronger and more malleable, they have become a viable option for competition animals.”

Pros:

• Lighter than metal

• Good for horses with sensitive feet as they are designed to be remedial

• Often harder wearing, so horses can go for longer between being shod

Cons:

• Considerably more expensive than traditional shoes

• Can be harder to keep on

• Aesthetically less attractive due to the white adhesive used

For the full article on non-metal shoes, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (20 August, ’09)

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