What type of shoes should Gypsy horse owners put on their horses hooves?
Why? MS: Since Gypsy horses and draft-type horses in general have thicker walls, the shoes should be a wide-webbed shoe, or be at least twice the thickness of the hoof wall. The reason for this is to provide more support, more expansion room and correct nail placement. Other than that, it would depend more on the use or discipline the horse is being used for. Most importantly, the shoes should be of ample size in order to avoid contracting the heels and in order to provide enough support. EJ: Are shoes less necessary for a Gypsy horse? MS: My understanding is that many Gypsy horses are able to perform just fine barefoot if they have the breed standard of a large round hoof that is strong and hard. There again, the environment they are kept in and the work they are asked to perform will be factors in determining whether to shoe an individual Gypsy horse or not. EJ: In what case should a Gypsy horse have or not have shoes? MS: The owner should evaluate the hoof condition and quality as d
