Art of the Hitch: Pair A Dice Carriages

Episode 3: No Hoof, No Horse

Hello again, everyone!

We’ve spent the last week re-shoeing all of our horses, so I thought this would be the perfect time to talk a little about shoeing and how we do things here at Pair A Dice Carriages. We take tremendous pride in the care and appearance of our horses’ feet — it’s something we’re extremely detail-oriented about. In fact, the feet are usually the first thing people notice when they see our horses, and we often receive compliments on how neat and balanced they look.

Now, I know everyone has their own opinions on shoeing and hoof care — and that’s okay! This is simply how we do it, and what has worked best for our team. In our experience, and in the opinion of many respected horsemen, a horse’s feet and teeth are the foundation of soundness, health, and happiness. So, let’s dig in.

The Importance of a Healthy Hoof

It’s often said, “No hoof, no horse.” The hoof truly is the foundation of the entire skeletal structure — without healthy feet, a horse cannot stand, move, or absorb impact properly. Here’s why hoof care matters so much:

• Weight Support: A horse’s entire body weight is carried on its hooves. Strong, well-structured hooves prevent injuries and promote longevity.

• Shock Absorption: The hoof works with the leg to absorb impact. Poor balance can lead to uneven shock absorption, causing soreness or lameness — especially critical for carriage horses who spend hours on asphalt.

• Conformation and Balance: Correct trimming and shoeing help maintain a natural hoof-pastern alignment. If the hoof is unbalanced, it stresses the leg and alters the horse’s gait, leading to long-term issues.

• Daily Maintenance: Routine cleaning, inspection, and farrier care prevent common problems like thrush, abscesses, and hoof cracks.

  
  

Hoof growth is influenced by both circulation and nutrition (we’ll save that topic for another episode). Proper blood flow depends on a well-trimmed, correctly balanced foot. When evaluating a good trim, we consider each horse’s conformation and natural hoof angle. Ideally, the hoof angle should align with the pastern, and that alignment typically matches the shoulder angle as well.

Understanding the Balance

To simplify a complex topic: a proper trim aligns the coffin bone (the lowest bone in the hoof) with the hoof capsule. The goal is for the coffin bone to sit parallel to the ground with even balance side-to-side and front-to-back.

In practice, trimming in line with the coffin bone means leveling the hoof from the bottom of that bone to support natural limb function. The center of rotation (the widest part of the hoof) serves as your reference point. Ideally, the coffin bone should maintain a positive palmar angle of 2–5° and a sole depth of about 15 mm for healthy support and comfort.

radiograph of a well balanced hoof and anatomy

Front hooves generally have an angle between 50–55°, while hind hooves are slightly steeper — though individual conformation always dictates the final numbers. We work closely with our veterinarians and take radiographs once or twice a year to ensure our trims and shoeing are biomechanically correct. It’s all part of keeping our horses sound, healthy, and happy for the long haul.

Why We Use Scotch Shoes (and Not Keg Shoes)

Scotch shoes sometimes get a bad reputation — often due to misunderstanding. Some believe they’re harsh or cause unnatural movement, but that’s simply not true when used correctly and for their intended purpose.

Originally developed in Scotland for Clydesdales working on slick city streets and muddy farmyards, Scotch shoes provide a wider base of support, better traction, and improved shock absorption. While they are sometimes used in show settings to enhance action or lift, their true design is purely functional — especially beneficial for working horses like ours who pull heavy carriages on pavement.

We used to shoe our team with traditional keg shoes (standard steel shoes with toe clips). However, about two years ago we made the switch to Scotch shoes — and the difference has been night and day. Our horses are more comfortable, recover faster, and stay sounder longer.

Because our commercial work involves long hours on hard surfaces, we found that keg shoes just didn’t offer the support or cushion our big horses need. We saw more splints, soreness, and general fatigue. With Scotch shoes (paired with the right trim), the horses hit the ground more softly and evenly.

Here’s a fun fact:

• A draft horse wearing a keg shoe can hit the ground with around 150 PSI of force.

• With a Scotch shoe, that impact can drop to about 75 PSI, thanks to better shock dispersion and support.

Front scotch shoes with leather pad and wedge pad

For additional comfort and durability, we use borium for traction, leather pads for cushioning, and either frog support or wedge pads depending on each horse’s hoof conformation. Percherons, for example, are known for having lower heels, so most of ours wear a small wedge to maintain proper angles. On our horses’ hind feet, we run a lateral support hitch hind shoe, which provides extra stability for their hocks and stifles — key joints that absorb tremendous power and motion, especially in our line of work. Toe clips also play an important role — they help keep the shoe in place and reduce stress on the hoof wall by distributing force evenly.

Conclusion: The Foundation of Soundness

In the world of working horses, the hoof is everything. Whether it’s pulling a wedding carriage or performing in front of thousands at a rodeo, our horses’ feet are the literal foundation of their health and success. Every trim, shoe, and adjustment we make is about preserving their comfort and longevity.

There’s no single “right” way to shoe a horse, but for us, this method has proven itself time and again. Healthy, balanced feet mean sound, happy horses — and that’s what matters most here at Pair A Dice Carriages.