Aluminum shoes in performance horses

Horseshoe Res

Aluminum Horseshoes for Performance Horses

The purpose of this research will be to ascertain the indications for use and the effects of aluminum horseshoes on performance horses of various breeds and faced with various routines and tasks. There is already a great deal of evidence that shoe type can dramatically affect performance, and determining greater specifics for the effects of aluminum shoes and when they should be utilized is definitely in order (Koepisch, 1996; Balch et al., 1997; Crisan et al., 2009; Huguet & Duberstein, 2012). The audience for this research would be both other researchers and practitioners concerned with equine performance in a variety of both sporting and working applications, and as such it would be hoped that this research would contribute to the knowledge pool in these areas and possibly lead to practical recommendations for shoeing practices with aluminum shoes or alternatives. An investigator role will be the best approach for the proposed research, as it is the finding of specific information to make future recommendations that is the primary purpose behind the research, however advocacy will definitely be warranted if clear indications of significant performance and/or health improvements for horses from the use of certain shoeing practices and habits for specific scenarios is indicated by the research findings.

Undertaking this research without a strong investment would be a mistake, given the nature of the research that must be conducted and the arduous and semi-monotonous tasks ahead, and it is only because extensive personal experience with horses and equine performance developed an underlying personal commitment on my part to improve the health and capabilities of horses that this research is proposed and eagerly looked forward to. Though never having shod a shoe myself, I have first-hand experience with the positive and the negative effects of shoeing techniques and what they can do for a horse's health and quality of life when properly or improperly selected and applied. This experience contributes certain special personal qualities I bring to this research, including an empathy for horses and an understanding of shoeing needs and practices, as well as a compassion for the horses. This, combined with an ambition to develop better products and practices for horses and equine performance and with my above-mentioned investment and experience, will enable me to approach this research with a very strong foundation and commitment.