Top 5 Signs Your Horse Needs a Farrier Visit

As horse owners, we all want our horses to move soundly, stay comfortable, and perform their best. But when life gets busy, it’s easy for farrier appointments to slip by a few weeks — or more. The problem is, hooves don’t wait! Even small changes in growth or balance can affect how your horse moves, stands, and feels.

Here are five telltale signs that it’s time to call your farrier.

1️⃣ Long or Cracked Hooves

If your horse’s hooves are starting to chip, crack, or grow long and flared, it’s time for a trim or reset. Long hooves alter the horse’s natural balance and can strain joints, tendons, and ligaments.

👉 Pro Tip: Schedule regular visits every 6–8 weeks, depending on growth rate and season.

2️⃣ Uneven Wear or Hoof Shape

Horses wear their hooves differently depending on conformation, workload, and footing. Uneven wear can cause long-term imbalance and lead to lameness if left unchecked.

Look for uneven edges, slanted hoof walls, or one heel wearing faster than the other. A skilled farrier can rebalance the hoof before it causes a problem higher up the leg.

3️⃣ Loose or Missing Shoes

If you see a twisted shoe or missing nails, then that shoe is on borrowed time. Riding on loose or shifted shoes can cause bruising and permanent hoof wall damage.

If this happens, don’t wait — call your farrier before the shoe tears off and takes hoof with it.

4️⃣ Tenderness or Short Striding

If your horse suddenly feels “off” — shorter steps, reluctance to turn, or sensitivity on hard ground — their feet may be sore. Overgrown hooves or improper angles can cause sole pressure and discomfort.

Even if your horse isn’t visibly lame, small gait changes often mean the feet need attention.

5️⃣ Change in Posture or Stance

Pay attention to how your horse stands. Are they resting one foot more often, shifting weight, or pointing a front hoof? These subtle changes can indicate imbalance or pain that begins in the hoof.

A good trim or reset can often fix the issue before it escalates.

✅ Why Regular Farrier Visits Matter

Regular hoof care isn’t just about appearance — it’s about long-term soundness and comfort. Balanced feet support healthy joints, proper movement, and reduce the risk of injury.

At Mathews Equine, we take pride in providing dependable, on-time farrier service for horses across Amador, Calaveras, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties.

📲 Schedule your next visit today and keep your horse standing strong!