ASKHQ: UP FRONT

[Q] Why are horses more commonly shed in front than behind?

[A] Horses are more commonly shod in front than behind because horses bear more weight on the front legs than their hind legs. Therefore horses are more likely to be foot sore in front than behind, due to the weight distribution. Some owners also prefer to keep horses without back shoes if possible, to reduce the amount of damage that can be caused to other horses in the paddock.