Editing Horseshoe (section)

==Reasons for use==
===Environmental changes linked to domestication===

Many changes brought about by the [[domestication of the horse]], such as putting them in wetter climates and exercising them less, have led to horses' hooves hardening less and being more vulnerable to injury. In the wild, a horse may travel up to {{convert|50|mi|km}} per day to obtain adequate forage. While horses in the wild cover large areas of terrain, they usually do so at relatively slow speeds, unless being chased by a predator.<ref name="Cohen"/> They also tend to live in arid [[steppe]] climates. The consequence of slow but nonstop travel in a dry climate is that horses' feet are naturally worn to a small, smooth, even, and hard state. The continual stimulation of the sole of the foot keeps it thick and hard. However, in [[domestication]], the manner in which horses are used is different.  Domesticated horses are brought to colder and wetter areas than their ancestral habitat. These softer and heavier soils soften the hooves and make them prone to splitting, thus making hoof protection necessary.<ref name="Cohen"/>

===Physical stresses requiring horseshoes===
*Abnormal stress: Horses' hooves can become quite worn out when subjected to the added weight and stress of a rider, pack load, cart, or [[wagon]].<ref name=HH367>Ensminger, M. E. ''Horses and Horsemanship: Animal Agriculture Series.'' Sixth edition. Interstate Publishers, 1990, {{ISBN|0-8134-2883-1}}, pp. 367–371.</ref>
*Corrective shoeing: The shape, weight, and thickness of a horseshoe can significantly affect the horse's gait. [[Farrier]]s may forge custom shoes to help horses with bone or muscle problems in their legs,<ref name=Ensg267>Ensminger, M. E. ''Horses & Tack: A Complete One Volume Reference on Horses and Their Care''. Rev. edn Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1991, {{ISBN|0-395-54413-0}}, pp. 267–269.</ref> or fit commercially available remedial shoes.
*Traction: Traction devices such as [[borium]] for ice, [[horse shoe studs]] for muddy or slick conditions, calks, [[tungsten carbide|carbide]]-tipped road nails and rims are useful for performance horses such as [[eventing|eventers]], [[show jumping|show jumpers]], [[polo|polo ponies]], and other horses that perform at high speeds, over changing terrain, or in less-than-ideal footing.<ref name=Catalog84/>
*Gait manipulation: Some breeds such as the [[Saddlebred]], [[Tennessee Walking Horse]], and other gaited horses are judged on their high-stepping movement. Special shoeing can help enhance their natural movement.<ref name=Catalog84/>
* Racing horses with weakness in their foot or leg require specialized horseshoes.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lNsDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA552 |title=Race Horses Require Shoes of Special Design and Weight |journal=Popular Mechanics |volume=65 |number=4 |date=April 1936 |access-date=19 December 2011}}</ref>