At WOW Saddles, we know that happy, healthy horses don't just need a great saddle (wink.. check out our stock) but also regular hoof care.
That’s why we were excited to welcome our fantastic farrier, Jamie Hubbard, to WOW HQ for a hoof check-up with Rodney (and Zandor and Socrates). Jamie travels the world shoeing top competition horses, and we were keen to get his expert insights on keeping our horses comfortable and sound.
We filmed his visit so you can watch here or scroll down to read the blog based on the video.
Meet Rodney
Rodney, our lovely gelding, has a background in dressage and plenty of hacking under his belt. His feet are a little on the narrow side for his size, and while we always consider going barefoot, the stony terrain and frequent roadwork around our HQ make that tricky. Hoof boots didn’t stay put, so shoeing was the best option to keep him comfortable and moving freely.
Why Bar Shoes Work for Rodney
Rodney has an old injury that affects his hoof structure, making it prone to weakness. Jamie explained that if we used an open-heel shoe, Rodney would naturally put more pressure on the inside heel, worsening the crack.
Instead, bar shoes provide extra support by evenly spreading the weight and preventing further damage. This small change makes a huge difference in keeping Rodney comfortable and able to enjoy his work.
Keeping Growth and Balance in Check
Rodney’s back hooves grow quickly—within his usual five-to-six-week shoeing cycle, they can start looking a little long in the toe.
Jamie carefully trims them to a safe length and applies supportive shoes with a rolled toe, which helps reduce strain on Rodney’s hocks and hamstrings.
Protecting a Damaged Hoof
Taking a closer look at Rodney’s near forefoot, Jamie pointed out how his old injury has permanently changed how his hoof grows. Left unchecked, it could become unstable, and a barefoot approach would likely make things worse.
Without the right support, Rodney would overload the affected heel, leading to pinching, discomfort, and even bleeding.
The bar shoe helps stabilise the crack, preventing it from worsening and allowing Rodney to stay sound in work. Plus, the concave shape of the shoe ensures he keeps a good grip on different terrains without compromising hoof strength.
The Importance of Frog Contact
One thing Jamie is really passionate about is maintaining frog contact with the ground, even when using shoes.
The frog plays a huge role in circulation—when the hoof bears weight, blood is expelled, and as it lifts, fresh blood rushes back in. It’s also packed with nerve endings that help horses sense their footing and stay balanced.
By ensuring Rodney’s frogs remain engaged with the ground, we’re helping him stay strong, steady, and aware of every step he takes.
Wrapping It Up
Rodney’s visit with Jamie was a great reminder that every horse’s hooves have their own unique needs. The right shoeing approach can make a world of difference in their comfort, movement, and overall well-being.
With expert farriers like Jamie Hubbard, we know our horses are getting the best possible care to keep them happy and thriving.
At WOW Saddles, we’re all about giving horses the best support, from innovative saddle designs to expert hoof care.