Episode 32: Hoof Health & Shoeing Myths — What Horse Owners Really Need to Know (From a Farrier’s Perspective)

Episode 32: Hoof Health & Shoeing Myths — What Horse Owners Really Need to Know (From a Farrier’s Perspective)

Hoof care is one of those topics every horse owner knows is important… right up until you’re knee-deep in mud, your horse has decided it’s a flamingo, and you’re asking yourself, “Why does this smell like something has died in here?” In Episode 32 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron Englander sits down with Tom Dyson (a registered farrier) and Grace Mowatt (apprentice farrier) for a refreshingly honest chat about feet, shoeing, and the myths that refuse to leave the yard.

Watch now if you’re the kind of person who’s ever Googled “cracked hooves help” at 11pm or wondered if hoof oil is genuinely helpful… or just very shiny marketing. This episode is full of practical advice and real-world experience from people who work with horses’ feet every day. You can watch the full episode on YouTube here or listen on Spotify here.

Just Horse Riders is built for riders who want straightforward, useful information (and gear that actually stands up to real life). If you’re here for the podcast and end up browsing, you’ll find everything from horse riding boots to everyday horse vitamins & supplements — because horse ownership is basically a sport, a hobby, and a full-time logistical operation rolled into one.

What This Episode Covers (In Plain English)

Episode 32 is a deep dive into hoof care, but without the “you must already have a degree in hoof anatomy” vibe. Aaron asks the questions horse owners actually ask, and Tom and Grace answer them in a way that makes sense — including the bits people are often too embarrassed to ask out loud.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Why horses are shod (and when they shouldn’t be)
  • Thrush, smells, and what “funky feet” really means
  • Cracked hooves — what’s normal, what’s not, and what causes it
  • How often a farrier should visit (and why “when I remember” is not a schedule)
  • Barefoot vs shod — a calm conversation instead of a civil war
  • Supplements and hoof oils — useful or clever marketing?
  • Laminitis warning signs and when to call the vet immediately

Listen now if you want hoof care advice that’s practical, realistic, and actually usable the next time you’re stood in the yard holding a hoof pick like it’s a tiny sword of responsibility.

Meet the Guests: Tom Dyson & Grace Mowatt

Tom Dyson is a registered farrier, and Grace Mowatt is an apprentice farrier. Together they bring the perfect combination of experience, fresh training, and the kind of behind-the-scenes knowledge that makes you realise farriery is equal parts skill, judgement, and “please don’t choose today to be dramatic.”

Aaron kicks things off by inviting them to introduce themselves. Tom says: “I’m Thomas Dyson. I’m a registered farrier.” Grace follows with: “I’m Tom’s registered apprentice, second year. I’m Grace…” and just like that, you know you’re in safe hands — because if you’ve ever tried to trim a hedge and accidentally removed half your garden, you’ll appreciate that apprenticeship exists for a reason.

Why farriery still matters (even in the age of robots)

There’s a great moment where Aaron jokes about technology and AI taking over the world, and the conversation lands on the reality that farriery is stubbornly human. As Tom puts it, it’s not something you can automate easily, because you’re working with a live animal, changing environments, and constant variables.

And yes — it is also regulated. In the episode, Tom and Grace explain that in the UK, only a registered farrier can legally nail a shoe on. That’s not gatekeeping. That’s “we’d rather avoid chaos and emergency vet calls,” which seems fair.

The Big Question: Why Do We Shoe Horses?

This is the bit every horse owner should know, because it stops you getting swept up in trends. Tom breaks it down in one memorable line from the episode when Aaron asks a quick-fire question:

“Protection, correction and grip.”

That’s it. That’s the core. If you remember one thing from this article, remember those three. The rest is basically the “how and when” of those reasons.

1) Protection

Protection is about preventing the hoof from wearing down faster than it can grow, or protecting a foot that’s already compromised. If a horse is getting sore on certain surfaces, doing higher mileage, or recovering from an issue, protection might be needed. Tom explains that sometimes protection can be shoes, and sometimes it can be other options — like boots or modern materials — depending on the horse and the job.

2) Correction (and what that really means)

Correction is often misunderstood. In the episode, Tom makes an important point that “correction” is generally most effective in early development, when growth can still be influenced. After that, it becomes less about “correcting” and more about supporting comfort and function.

3) Grip

Grip is about safety and traction — especially on slippery or challenging surfaces. Whether it’s roadwork, grass, competition, or specific disciplines, grip can be the difference between confident movement and a horse that feels unsafe under itself.

Watch now if you want the full context behind those three reasons — because Tom and Grace explain it with real-world examples that make it click instantly.

How Often Should the Farrier Visit?

In the episode, Aaron asks the question most of us have asked in some form: “How often should a farrier visit?” The answer is reassuringly straightforward: “6 to 8 weeks or less.”

But what matters is the reason. Tom explains that hoof growth varies, and some horses may need more frequent visits for therapeutic reasons. The key takeaway is simple: your schedule should be guided by your hoof care professional, not by habit, guesswork, or what your friend on Facebook swears by.

Why 6–8 weeks isn’t arbitrary

Tom shares an interesting detail about hoof growth and how quickly “small” growth becomes significant. It’s one of those bits that makes you realise how quickly balance can drift. And that drift matters — because as Tom points out elsewhere in the episode, horses naturally grow out of balance over time. That’s normal. The job is to manage it.

Practical tip

If you’re unsure whether your horse is due, look for changes in movement, uneven wear, or the beginnings of long toe/low heel patterns. And if you’re thinking “I’ll book next week,” you’re already late. We’ve all been there.

Why Hooves Smell Bad (And When to Worry)

Aaron asks a question that deserves a trophy for bravery: “Is it normal for a horse’s feet to smell terrible sometimes?” The answer is direct: it usually comes back to thrush.

Tom explains that if you smell anything “funky,” there’s usually bacteria present and it needs addressing. Importantly, he adds that if thrush becomes severe, it can compromise structures and may require vet intervention. Translation: ignore it long enough and it can become a bigger problem.

What owners often get wrong with thrush

One of the biggest mistakes, Tom says, is not cleaning thoroughly enough — people “scratch the surface” and miss the areas that actually matter. There’s also a tendency to clean the hoof in the same place every time (usually the easiest bit), and ignore other areas.

Simple prevention that actually works

In the episode, the guidance is refreshingly practical: clean properly, use products with antibacterial qualities, and be consistent. If something is working, don’t stop the moment it improves — keep going until it’s properly resolved.

Cracked Hooves: Diet, Environment, or “Bad Genes”?

This is a classic yard debate: if hooves are cracking, is it feed, footing, or fate? In the episode, the line that sums it up is: “All three.”

Tom explains that environment and management often play a major role, and that the type of crack matters. Some cracks are superficial (chipping and minor splits), while others can be more serious — like sand cracks or cracks linked to abscesses that grow out.

What you should do if you notice cracks

Don’t panic, but don’t ignore them either. Take photos, mention it to your farrier, and focus on basics: regular schedule, clean dry feet, and consistent management. If the crack is deep, bleeding, or causing lameness, that’s not a “wait and see” moment.

What Farriers Mean by “Balance”

“Balance” can sound a bit mystical until you hear it explained properly. Tom uses a simple comparison: it’s like stepping out of an old worn pair of trainers and into new, balanced ones. The idea is that hoof balance affects how the horse lands, loads, and moves — and that changes over time.

He also makes a key point for owner sanity: when a farrier says a horse needs rebalancing, they’re not necessarily criticising whoever did it last. As Tom explains, if you weren’t there on the day, you don’t know what the horse presented with — and feet can change quickly after shoeing or trimming.

A useful visual from the episode

Tom describes a simple demonstration: imagine pushing a pencil eraser straight down onto a table — it compresses evenly. Tilt it, and the wear changes. That’s a great way to understand how uneven landing creates uneven forces, which creates uneven hoof structures.

“Why Does My Horse Lose Shoes?” (And Who’s to Blame)

This question appears in almost every horse owner’s life eventually — usually at 7am, in a field, in winter, when you’re already late. In the episode, Tom explains shoe loss can be a farrier issue if there’s no plan or explanation, but it can also be stable management, environment, or horse behaviour.

When it’s management, not the farrier

Tom gives an example that will sound familiar: horses catching shoes in fencing, playing in wire, or trying to reach the grass on the other side. Sometimes the fix isn’t a different shoe — it’s a different setup, such as electric standoff fencing and better turnout management.

The honest takeaway

Good communication matters. If your horse is consistently losing shoes, ask for a plan: what might be causing it, what can be changed, and what should you monitor between visits.

Clean, Dry Feet: The Unsexy Secret to Better Hooves

There’s a moment in the episode where the conversation turns to something that sounds basic — but is actually huge: clean dry feet. Tom and Grace explain that wet, muddy feet can affect what you see and what you do, because hooves absorb and release moisture. Shoeing a foot that’s soaked through can change the “read” of the hoof as it dries.

They also make the point that it’s not about being precious. It’s about the work. In the episode, Tom compares it to going to the dentist: you wouldn’t turn up with a mouthful of food and say “sort it out.” That’s… oddly motivating.

Owner checklist before your appointment

  • Pick out properly (not just the visible bit)
  • Dry legs and feet if possible
  • Safe, level area to work
  • Minimise chaos (dogs, loose tools, vehicles, surprises)

Barefoot vs Shod: A Calm Conversation (Finally)

If you’ve ever mentioned “barefoot” within earshot of a yard group chat, you’ll know it can turn into a debate faster than you can say “track system.” What’s refreshing in Episode 32 is that the tone stays sensible: horses weren’t born with shoes, and if a horse can manage without them, that’s often preferable.

Tom explains that if shoes aren’t needed, then ethically it can be better to avoid them. That doesn’t mean “shoes are bad.” It means the decision should be based on the horse’s needs, workload, surfaces, and comfort — not trend cycles.

“Keep it simple” — the philosophy that saves horses and humans

There’s a brilliant moment where the conversation lands on the “KISS” principle — “Keep it simple, stupid.” It’s funny, but it’s also a useful reminder: don’t add complexity unless it solves a real problem.

Listen now if you want the full barefoot vs shod discussion — because it’s one of the most balanced, no-drama explanations you’ll hear.

Do Hoof Supplements & Oils Actually Work?

This is where horse ownership meets marketing — and your bank account starts sweating. Aaron asks directly whether supplements and oils are genuinely useful or just clever branding. Tom’s answer is nuanced: they can really help, but you have to find the right one for the horse, and you have to consider the season and environment.

One of the smartest points in the episode is that products don’t always work year-round. What helps in a dry spell may be the wrong move in constant wet conditions. In other words: be reactive to what’s in front of you, not what you used last winter because it was already in the tack room.

The “biotin” reality check

Tom references research and explains a common misunderstanding: supplements may not magically speed up hoof growth, but they can improve the quality of what grows — particularly if the horse was lacking something in the first place.

The simple rule

If the horse doesn’t need it, it won’t help much. If the horse does need it, it can help a lot. That’s why ongoing advice from your farrier (and vet when needed) is so valuable.

If you’re looking for everyday support options, Just Horse Riders stocks a range of everyday horse vitamins & supplements that fit into sensible, consistent feeding routines.

Laminitis: Early Warning Signs and What to Do

Laminitis comes up in Episode 32 for good reason: it’s one of the most serious hoof-related conditions owners face. Tom is very clear that if you suspect early laminitis (or related foot pain), this is a vet call, not a “wait until the next appointment” situation.

They discuss how laminitis risk can spike at certain times of year and how it’s influenced by grass sugars, weather patterns, and overall management. The key point is that it’s not always obvious until it’s happening — which is why body condition, posture, and subtle changes matter.

What owners can watch for

  • Change in stance (rocking back, guarding feet)
  • Heat in the feet
  • Reluctance to move or turning carefully
  • Sudden sensitivity on firm ground

If anything feels “off,” trust your instincts and get professional help early. It’s one of those areas where being cautious is not overreacting — it’s responsible ownership.

The Real “Hoof Care Routine” Most Owners Need

One of the biggest themes of Episode 32 is that hoof care doesn’t need to be complicated — it needs to be consistent. Owners often focus on products, but Tom and Grace keep circling back to basics that actually change outcomes.

Between farrier visits, focus on:

  • Picking out properly (especially around the frog)
  • Keeping an eye on smell (thrush doesn’t hide forever)
  • Noticing changes in wear, landing, or movement
  • Seasonal adjustments (wet vs dry management)

And yes, the horse world loves a strong opinion — but the episode also includes a brilliant warning that deserves repeating. Tom shares an old saying that sums up the danger of inexperience:

“Green and green equals black and blue.”

In plain terms: if both the horse and the rider/owner are inexperienced, someone usually gets hurt. That’s why structured learning (Pony Club, good coaches, experienced support) matters so much.

Where Just Horse Riders Fits In (Without the Hard Sell)

This article is about education first — because better-informed owners make better decisions. But we also know that once you understand hoof care, you start noticing everything else that supports it: turnout routines, weather protection, rider comfort, and daily consistency.

If you’re gearing up for the season (or just trying to survive it), you’ll find practical essentials across the store, including:

Watch now or listen now to Episode 32 if you want the full conversation behind these ideas — it’s one of those episodes you’ll come back to when you’re troubleshooting a hoof problem and want sensible guidance, not a comment-section argument.

Key Takeaways from Episode 32 (Print This In Your Brain)

1) Shoeing is not “good” or “bad” — it’s a tool

Protection, correction, and grip are the reasons. If none apply, reconsider whether shoes are necessary.

2) Smell is information

Funky smell often means thrush. Treat it early, clean properly, and stay consistent.

3) Balance changes over time

Hooves drift. A good schedule and good management prevent small drift turning into big issues.

4) Most problems improve with boring basics

Clean, dry feet. Regular visits. Honest observation. Seasonal adjustments. Not glamorous — incredibly effective.

5) Laminitis is urgent

If you suspect it, call the vet. Early action protects long-term welfare.

Watch or Listen to Episode 32

Episode 32 is the kind of conversation that makes you feel more confident as an owner — not because it gives you a magic “one-size-fits-all” answer, but because it helps you understand what to look for and how to think about hoof care in the real world.

Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoM_zUxe9lk
Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi

Follow Just Horse Riders

Stay connected for more episodes, product reviews, and horse owner resources:

Thanks for reading — and remember: your horse’s feet don’t need perfection. They need consistency, good observation, and a team (farrier, vet, owner) working together. And maybe a hoof pick that hasn’t disappeared into the same dimension as single socks.

 

Older articles Back to Blog Newer articles