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Normal . . . Corrective . . . Pathological . . . ?
by Michael Kosiba, CF
As horse owners and horse professionals, we've all heard these words. Farriers, trainers and veterinarians use them all the time. They are often printed on the business cards of farriers. Perhaps you know what they all mean, but then again maybe you don't. Maybe you're not sure. Either way, I thought that a brief review of these horseshoeing terms would be a good topic.
Normal horseshoeing sounds simple enough. After all, aren't most horses fairly normal? When we talk of normal conformation what we mean is that a horse approaches the theoretical vision of a straight-legged, well-put-together animal. In reality there aren't that many out there, believe me! I like to think of a normal horse as one that moves fairly well and stays sound no matter what is done to him, with regards to farrier services and owner care. A normal horse is a survivor no matter what the odds are against him. His shoeing requirements are basic, simple and fairly normal. I love these horses!
Horses that are less than ideal in their foot, leg, and body conformation often require more demanding shoeing needs. This is where corrective horseshoeing comes into play. The traditional definition of corrective shoeing is something like "shoeing to correct faults in leg and foot conformation, foot flight patterns, or limb interference". Horses that toe-in, toe-out, paddle, wing, forge, overreach or otherwise interfere are candidates for corrective shoeing. The farrier can often achieve a desired result through skillful trimming, shoeing or a combination of both.
In a sense, corrective horseshoeing might be more accurately defined as "correct" horseshoeing. Whenever a farrier shoes a horse he is constantly analyzing and assessing how the feet should be prepared and shod in the most correct manner for each individual. Although there are general standards and principles to be followed when shoeing any horse, each horse often needs something special or "correct" for his individual needs. So in effect, farriers practice corrective (correct) shoeing on a daily basis.
Finally, let's talk about pathological horseshoeing. Pathological, or therapeutic shoeing, is sometimes confused with corrective shoeing. The difference lies in the fact that pathological shoeing is concerned with disease or injury of the horse's legs and feet, while corrective shoeing is concemed with conformation and gait problems. Shoeing to relieve lameness due to injury or disease can be trying work. Most often a farrier will work closely with a veterinarian in order to make the horse as comfortable and as sound as possible.
Although these horseshoeing terms (normal, corrective and pathological) appear to be separate and individual methods of applying shoes to any horse, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, two or even all three of these concepts often blend together during the process of shoeing a horse. There may be different ways to accomlish the same goal, but the end result should always be the comfort, safety and happiness of our domestic horses.
