Switched to aluminum shoes on my farm horses and folks think I'm crazy

Everyone says steel is the only option for big draft animals. I used to believe that too. But after a season with aluminum on my two Belgians, I see less fatigue in their legs. The weight difference is real, especially on long hauls. Yes, they wear faster, but I reset more often anyway. My horses move better, and that's what matters to me. I get the skepticism, but my results speak for themselves.

3 comments

3 Comments

betty581mo ago

So your horses move better, huh? I gotta say, I'm not totally sold on aluminum being a game-changer. Sure, aluminum is lighter, but draft horses are built to carry weight. Is a few pounds really going to make or break their day? Like willowadams said, heat might be different, but how often are your horses on burning roads anyway? You admit the shoes wear faster, so more resetting sounds like extra work and cost. Maybe it helps, but I doubt it's that serious when steel has done the job forever. If your Belgians are happy, fine, but I'll stick with what works.

willowadams1mo ago

Ever think about how the heat from the road affects their feet? Aluminum moves heat way different than steel. Might be keeping their hooves cooler on those hot days.

brooke_fisher251mo ago

My Percheron mare switched to aluminum shoes last year. Her stride improved noticeably, especially during plowing season.