Flat foot plight
QMy horse is flat-footed and my farrier has suggested taking his shoes off. How does this help? Bethany Jackson, Bristol Simon says... Removing shoes from horses with flat feet may help because it re-engages the hoof with the ground. With each step, your horse’s weight makes the pastern rotate backwards and sink into the hoof. If the frog has ground contact, then these forces equalise and the hoof capsule flexes healthily. However, having a horse’s shoes removed may not be the most practical solution, unless he didn’t need shoes in the first place. The primary function of shoes is to protect the hooves from excessive wear, and also to provide grip and purchase. If your horse doesn't need shoes to perform at the level required of him, then remove them, but still have your farrier give the feet a regular trim.
The farrier’s solution
There are durable farriery solutions to flat feet. The aim must be to re-engage the frog so that the foot functions close to normal. Pads have a synthetic frog in their surface that is hollow and filled with impression material. Your farrier will first trim the hoof to normal proportions, getting the heels back so that loading is more even across the base of the foot. The shoe is then fitted for size and shape and the pad attached. Next the impression material is mixed, placed on the foot and the shoe and pad nailed over it. Excess impression material is then squeezed out. Once set, the material is highly elastic — a bit like a child’s 'superball'. Pads are very robust and can usually be refitted several times. Your horse does not have to be permanently shod in this way, but it may take between six and 12 months before a significant improvement is seen.