Aluminum Shoes and the Performance Horse

Aluminum Shoes Introduction

Animal rights and care experts have attempted to determine which the proper ways to handle animals are. Some people assert that the best way to care for horses is through natural means and without the use of shoes of any type of material. Such debates are subjective and thus it is very difficult to prove objectively which is best. One of the most virulent debates has been over which material is best in the creation of horseshoes and whether or not that material positively affects the horse when the shoe is attached. The first horseshoes were designed to increase the amount of time that a horse was able to work and also to increase the individual horse's performance in various activities such as running. Horseshoes have been made of strong metals since their inception in order to maintain quality and shape for a long time. Primarily they are made out of steel; however other materials, such as aluminum and titanium have also been used in the creation of horseshoes. Performance racehorses have been shod with horseshoes made of aluminum for some time, as this metal is extremely lightweight, malleable, and also durable. Being such a light material, aluminum thus allows for faster speed of movement by the horses; they can run faster with less weight holding them down. The question then becomes whether or not aluminum horseshoes would prove a viable replacement for traditional steel horseshoes in other avenues than just racing. It is also imperative to take into consideration the fact that not all horses are physiologically similar and this may have an important impact on the way in which certain materials impact the particular breed of horse. Research into the use of aluminum horseshoes needs to take material and the breed into consideration before they can reach a conclusion. After examining all of these components, it can be stated unequivocally that aluminum horseshoes are at least superior to their steel counterparts.