Farriery and its importance for the use of horses

This work focuses on a farriery from the beginning of its history , through Middle Ages and Modern Era until present day. From barefoot horses through hipposandals through to nailed horseshoes toward modern specialities such as plastic "glued on" horseshoes and footwear. Mentions the anatomy of the horse hoof. The knowledge of anatomical structures and functionality of a hoof is crucial for horseshoeing and for barefoot walk as well. The ancient farriers were aware of this and merely thanks to their knowledge of anatomy and physiology of limbs they were able to cure most of the diseases of horse hoof at that time. Today these skills are just as important for chosing the right shoeing as well as customizing the conventional horse shoe to a particular horse. Further deals with the characteristics and materials used for production of horseshoes , their different types and tools used by farriers. Care of hoof is essential ,the regular care and especially the treatment before shoeing - (often neglected) which makes it far easier for the farrier. The main point of the work is farriery acts including corect selection of horseshoes and their shaping. I also mention pros and cons of horseshoeing. The most extensive chapter addresses horseshoeing of horses for different utilization, racing horses working at high speeds , draft horses for labour or horses for tourism. I focus on horseshoeing based on utilization and performance of the horse. The integral part of this work is a chapter condemning horseshoeing as such, stating different opinions from so-called barefooters presenting us with the other point of view Finally, points to the alternative ways of horseshoeing and their pros and cons