Should I put aluminum shoes on my leased horse?

Question

First a little background: I started leasing a horse a couple weeks ago and he is now due for his first shoeing that I'm responsible for. The owner (who is a jumper) told me that a couple years ago he was jumping 3'+ fences 5 or more times per week and ended up having to get put on pasture rest for 6 months because it took a heavy toll on his joints, but since then he's been completely fine. He hasn't done any jumping since then and I won't be jumping him at all, either (I do dressage). I typically ride 3x per week, and the arena has soft footing. I may be half leasing him to someone else, who will also only do flatwork in the same arena. (So he could potentially be ridden 6x/week, but always on soft footing) I generally go to ~4 shows per year.

The owner just e-mailed me and said that because I will be riding more than 2x per week and showing, she would like him put in aluminum shoes to be "easier on his joints since he doesn't have the greatest joints" This is news to me, since she said he's been fine ever since he stopped jumping. 

I don't feel obligated to do the aluminum shoes, since she didn't mention this at any point before and it's not in the lease contract I signed. (It does say I have to shoe every 6 weeks, even though he doesn't seem to need it that often, at least in the winter, and I have no problem with that) I'm afraid that the aluminum shoes are unnecessary and going to be very expensive, especially with the farrier coming to see him so often.

I'll discuss with my instructor next time I'm at the barn, but wanted to get a feel for the general opinion- does this seem unreasonable to you? If the horse's joints are so bad that he needs aluminum shoes anytime he's being ridden more than 2x/week, shouldn't she have mentioned something before, (and shouldn't he be on a joint supplement as well?) Am I justified in pushing back on this?

(Don't worry, if I find that he really does need special care for his joints I will make sure he gets proper care.)

? · Accepted Answer

Aluminum does absorb more concussion than steel does, but I have not heard of it being used therapeutically that way.  
Often a marginal mover will move much better in a lighter shoe than heavier steel.  In my area aluminum on the front hooves and steel on the back is very common.  I only charge $10 more per pair to put on  normal aluminum (riding) shoes.  The real expense with aluminum is when you get into the therapeutic horseshoes.  In my area normal aluminum shoes run in the $10-$12 per pair, and a pair of specialty therapeutic shoes like the Grand Circuit "T" shoes run $48-$59 per pair, depending on the size.  
I would discuss the cost with the farrier before you make a decision.  With aluminum it is very rare to get a reset out of them, and some farriers will charge a higher fee to put new shoes on versus resets.  
I like the idea of a joint supplement better than aluminum shoes to protect the joints.

? · Answer

I am not sure why you would need the aluminum shoes, why not just standard keg shoes?

Also if the reason given is joint pain - unless there is corrective work done with pads etc. not sure why shoes are needed as all. A good trim may be enough -  Depending on what the farrier is doing, and how fast the foot grows, you can most often push resetting shoes to 7 or 8 weeks (again depending on the animal and the work being done)

I would ask a few more questions - if shoes are needed maybe work out a deal to pay 1/2 and the other leasor pay 1/2.

Caitlin · Answer

I dont know...every 6 weeks sounds like a lot of farrier visits $$$ If he isnt throwing shoes or outgrowing them shouldnt they last about 8-10? I dont shoe my horses so I dont even know why I am answering - I just thought that 6 weeks sounded like a lot. 

Maybe she can negotiate the cost of the lease to make up for the cost of the pricey shoes? If she isnt willing to work with you I wouldnt continue the lease - just from a business point of view. She should have told you about the aluminum shoes from the start and if the contract doesnt specify aluminum your not obligated to do it. See if she is willing to try and let the shoes last longer than 6 weeks.

Victoria · Answer

Instead of aluminum shoes just talk to the farrier about putting him a set of wide webs or eventers. They are larger shoes and provide more protection since the shoe is wider than a standard shoe. My farrier does not charge extra for these shoes. They honestly aren't so much heavier than aluminum that it makes a difference. This would be my first choice. 

I do have a horse in a front set of aluminum Elites, but he has such thin soles he is in a very supportive set of shoes which if they were steel they would be very heavy. That and corrective shoes are the only ones I ever see that really need aluminum.

Mayfair Calling · Answer

I put aluminum shoes on my hunter/jumper, but looking back on it, I do feel like the added expense wasn't entirely worth it. Yes, they're lighter on their feet and softer for horses who spend a lot of time on concrete. You're absolutely justified on pushing back on this - aluminum shoes alone definitely aren't the answer and won't be much help. I would also ask her to reconsider having him shod every 6 weeks. Like another answerer said, if he isn't throwing shoes or having other problems with his feet, he should be fine going longer. I could understand every 6 weeks if his feet required therapeutic shoeing or if the condition of his feet deteriorates that quickly. 

The owner sounds almost like she's depending entirely upon you to improve the condition of his joints. She should have been taking care of his joints if they're "not the greatest", or she should have mentioned this to you before you started your lease. 

Maybe the best thing to do, as far as communications with the owner goes, is to meet up with him/her for some coffee and a friendly chat, to discuss more reasonable joint care options. Hope everything gets resolved soon!

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Should I put aluminum shoes on my leased horse?

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