The hoof continually grows, like human fingernails, to compensate for normal wear and tear. Under natural conditions, horses’ feet wear about the same rate they grow, but the confined horse’s ...

And there are a few common hoof problems for which horse owners can be on the alert at all times. ... Daily checks on your horse’s feet will allow you to see if a split or crack has appeared.

Some horses just have naturally weaker hooves, thinner soles, or uneven gaits. In all these cases, horseshoes can help stabilize and strengthen a horse’s hooves, and also keep them healthy.