My farrier leaves that rim on the
sides and always makes sure there is shoe behind the heels. He shoes alot
of show jumpers as well as trail & distance horses & hates to "short
shoe". Yes, it's a support thing & also protects heels from rocks
& stones. The only time this is a problem is if a horse forges or
tends to step on the inside of the opposing hoof, then they pull shoes
constantly. I've heard some farriers just make a habit of not leaving any
edges & then don't have to worry about pulled shoes.
Karen Bratcher asked: Just
curious how most people have the shoes fitted to their horses'
= hooves. When I was in horseshoeing school (um, about 25 years ago,
and = no I never pursued it past the class) we were taught to leave _at
least_ = "the thickness of a dime" of shoe sticking out sideways past the
hoof = wall on the quarter and heel area, and at least 1/8" out behind the
= heels. The theory being for more support.
