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Shoeing Reining Horses: Best Practices and Biomechanical Insights

Written by:

Joshua J. Speer M.Agr., AF


Reining horses are renowned for their spectacular sliding stops, a hallmark of their skill and training. The precision required in shoeing reining horses is paramount to their performance, ensuring they can execute intricate maneuvers with grace and efficiency. This article delves into the best practices for shoeing reining horses, the biomechanics behind their movements, and the importance of proper shoeing in enabling their performance.


The Importance of Shoeing in Reining Performance

Reining horses have gained renewed attention partly due to the popularity of Taylor Sheridan’s show Yellowstone, which highlights the intense competition and skill involved in cowboy and ranching traditions. Reining's roots trace back to working cattle ranches, where horses needed to maneuver quickly and stop precisely to aid cowboys. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) officially recognized reining in 1950, with competitions involving intricate patterns requiring speed changes, lead changes, rollbacks, sliding stops, and backups.


Biomechanics of Reining Movements

The biomechanics of a reining horse’s movements, especially during a sliding stop, involve complex interactions between various anatomical structures and physiological processes. This maneuver is one of the most iconic and challenging aspects of reining, requiring the horse to perform with precision and strength. During a sliding stop, the horse's hind legs are tucked under its body, allowing it to sit back on its haunches and glide smoothly across the ground. This action demands a high level of balance, coordination, and muscular control.


Hind Limbs and Joint Mechanics

The hind limbs bear the brunt of the force during a slide. The primary joints involved are the hocks (tarsal joints) and stifles (equivalent to the human knee). These joints must flex and extend in a controlled manner to absorb the impact and manage the friction between the hooves and the ground. The deep digital flexor tendon and the superficial digital flexor tendon play crucial roles in stabilizing the limb and supporting the fetlock joint. Proper engagement of these tendons helps the horse maintain its slide without buckling under the stress.


Muscular and Skeletal Coordination

The sliding stop requires significant muscular effort from the horse’s hindquarters, particularly the gluteal, hamstring, and quadriceps muscle groups. These muscles must contract powerfully to initiate the slide and then maintain a controlled descent as the horse’s momentum carries it forward. Additionally, the lumbar region of the spine and the pelvis are engaged to ensure that the horse’s body remains aligned and balanced throughout the maneuver. The skeletal structure, including the femur, tibia, and metatarsal bones, must withstand and distribute the forces involved, preventing injury and facilitating smooth movement.


Front Limb Dynamics

While the hind limbs are the focal point during a sliding stop, the front limbs also play a critical role in maintaining balance and control. As the horse tucks its hind legs under its body, the front limbs help steer and stabilize the horse, ensuring that the slide is straight and aligned with the intended direction. The shoulders and forearms must be strong enough to support the horse’s weight as it decelerates, preventing a nose dive or imbalance that could disrupt the slide.


Hoof and Ground Interaction

The interaction between the horse’s hooves and the ground is a vital aspect of the sliding stop’s biomechanics. The hooves must strike a balance between grip and glide. Too much grip can cause the horse to stop abruptly, potentially leading to injuries, while too little grip can result in slipping and loss of control. The design of sliding plates on the hind hooves, with their wide webbing and rolled toes, helps achieve this balance by reducing friction and allowing for a smooth, controlled slide.


Shoeing Techniques for Reining Horses

Understanding the detailed mechanics of a reining horse’s movements is crucial for farriers tasked with shoeing these athletes. The right shoeing not only enhances performance but also protects the horse from injuries. Sliding plates must be crafted and fitted with precision to support the horse’s anatomical and biomechanical needs. Farriers must consider factors such as the horse’s gait, the condition of the ground, and the specific demands of the maneuvers being performed. By doing so, they can ensure that the horse’s hooves provide the necessary support and traction, allowing the horse to perform at its best while minimizing the risk of injury.

Joshua Speer sets slider plates
Rocking Speer Ranch Slider Package

Front Feet

The front feet of reining horses are typically shod with steel training plates, rim shoes, or half-round shoes. The choice of shoe often depends on the trainer’s preference, ground conditions, and the horse's specific needs. Half-round shoes are popular among reining horses because they offer a balance between grip and glide.


Hind Feet

The hind feet are equipped with sliding plates, which are essential for executing long, controlled slides.

  1. Sliding Plates: These are wide-webbed shoes designed to provide minimal traction, similar to skis. They can be pre-fabricated or custom-made from bar stock, typically 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide. Extra steel extends behind the heels to aid in the slide.

  2. Rolled Toe: The toe of the sliding plate is slightly beveled or “rolled” to create a ski-like effect, providing the horse’s hocks with added support during the slide.

  3. Spooned Heels: The heels of the sliding plates can be bent upwards or spooned to prevent the horse from stepping off the extended heels. The inside heel is often drawn narrower to act as a rudder, preventing the feet from spreading apart during the slide.

  4. Brazed Steel: A small piece of steel can be brazed onto the inside heel to further prevent spreading.

  5. Nail Heads: Nail heads should be rasped off only after clinching, creating less drag and making the shoe slicker, enhancing the horse’s ability to slide smoothly.


Collaboration Between Farrier and Trainer

The farrier must collaborate closely with the trainer to determine the appropriate type of shoe for each horse. Each horse has unique needs, and improper shoeing can lead to slips, falls, and reduced confidence. Properly shod reining horses can perform impressive slides, sometimes exceeding 20 feet, showcasing their training and the farrier’s skill.


Conclusion

During the sliding stop, the biomechanics involve a transfer of weight to the hindquarters, engaging the deep and superficial digital flexor tendons. The correct shoeing supports these structures, minimizing stress and maximizing performance. The frog and other hoof structures play a crucial role in maintaining grip and stability, preventing excessive sliding that could lead to injury. The right shoes enhance a trained horse’s ability to perform, supporting their intricate movements and ensuring their safety and efficiency. Through collaboration and expertise, farriers can help reining horses achieve their full potential, captivating audiences with their precision and grace.


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