Horseshoe

A horseshoe is a piece of equestrian equipment, usually made of steel or aluminium, that is nailed or glued to the ground facing surface of a horse's hoof to protect it from wear. Steel shoes are favored in sports needing a strong, long wearing shoe, such as polo and show jumping, while lighter aluminium shoes are common in horse racing and dressage, and some shoes carry caulkins at the toe or heel for extra traction. Fitting a horseshoe is the specialized trade of a farrier, who prepares the hoof, assesses lameness, and fits the appropriate shoe, a trade that is formally licensed in some countries such as the United Kingdom.