Help! My Horse Threw a Shoe. What to Do While You Wait for the Farrier
- Erik Seriva
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Your gelding clatters up the barn aisle, sounding more like a tap-dancer than a dressage prospect, and your heart sinks: one shoe short of a full set. Cue the internal panic. Your riding plans have just been derailed; your farrier is probably booked solid for the next two weeks, and that hoof is looking like it ran through the wood chipper. But here's the thing: losing a shoe isn't the end of the world, even though it feels like it in the moment.
The key is knowing what to do in those first few minutes after you discover the problem. Handle it right, and you'll keep your horse comfortable, protect that vulnerable hoof, and maybe even save yourself some money when your farrier comes out to fix things.
Ready to become the kind of horse owner who doesn't panic when the metal goes out to pasture? Let's break this down into simple, manageable steps that'll have you handling thrown shoes like a pro.
Assess the Situation
The moment you realize a shoe is missing, your first priority is to check your horse's hoof. If you're riding, dismount immediately. Continuing to ride can cause significant damage to an unprotected hoof, especially if the shoe is still dangling.
Carefully lead your horse to a clean, flat surface, like a barn aisle or a clean patch of ground. Lift the hoof and examine it closely. You're looking for a few key things:
Is the shoe completely gone or dangling? A dangling shoe is a serious hazard. If it’s loose, it can easily get caught on something, causing a much more severe injury. If you have the proper tools (a clinch cutter and shoe pullers, or even a screwdriver and some pliers) and know how to use them, you can carefully remove the shoe. If you're not confident, it's better to try to stabilize it with duct tape and wait for your farrier.
Are there any nails? Mangled shoes and jagged nails can pierce the sole or frog. If you’re hesitant, leave extraction to the pros and focus on protecting the foot.
Is there any damage to the hoof wall? A thrown shoe can sometimes take a chunk of the hoof wall with it. Note any significant cracks, chips, or missing pieces.
Is there any bleeding or signs of a deeper injury? Did the horse scrape his heel bulbs when pulling the shoe? You may need to clean up any scrapes or cuts. Puncture wounds to the sole or frog can be particularly dangerous and require serious medical attention.
Once you’ve assessed the hoof, watch your horse walk. Are they lame? A little bit of tenderness is normal, but significant lameness could indicate a more serious issue.
Make the Call
Call or text your farrier as soon as you realize the shoe is missing. The earlier they slot you, the sooner your horse is comfortable and the less the hoof gets torn up. Please send photos and describe any damage. Good intel lets your farrier prepare if they need to do some reconstructive hoof surgery.
Which shoe is it (e.g., front right, left hind)?
Is the shoe completely off or dangling?
Is there any visible damage to the hoof?
Is your horse lame?
Did you find the lost shoe? ***
While you're waiting, it's a good idea to search for the lost shoe. A loose shoe with nails sticking out can be a hazard to other horses in the pasture. If you find it, your farrier may be able to simply put it back on, saving you the cost of a new shoe (especially expensive therapeutics).
If your farrier can’t come out right away, ask for their advice on how to best manage the situation in the meantime.
Protect the Hoof
An unshod hoof that is used to being shod will be sensitive and prone to bruising and chipping. Your primary goal while waiting for the farrier is to protect the hoof. Here are a few effective methods:
Confine your horse: Limit your horse's movement to a stall with deep, clean bedding or a small, soft-surfaced paddock. Avoid hard or rocky ground.
Apply a hoof boot: If you have one, a hoof boot is an excellent way to protect the hoof. Make sure it fits correctly and won't rub.
Wrap the hoof: If you don’t have a hoof boot, a temporary wrap can be made with materials you likely have in your barn’s first-aid kit.
Start by cleaning the hoof thoroughly with a hoof pick and brush.
You can apply a hoof packing product like Magic Cushion to the sole to help with any soreness.
A thick layer of padding is next. A disposable diaper or a thick layer of gauze padding works well.
Secure the padding with a self-adhesive wrap like Vetrap, being careful not to wrap too tightly around the coronary band.
For durability, create a "boot" out of duct tape to cover the entire wrap.
To Ride or Not to Ride?
The short answer is no. Riding a horse with a missing shoe can lead to several problems:
Uneven balance: Horseshoes add height and affect your horse's balance. Riding with one shoe off can put undue stress on their joints and ligaments.
Hoof damage: As mentioned, the unshod hoof is susceptible to bruising and abscesses. The old torn-through nail holes can get more and more damaged, making it harder to get a new shoe back on.
Increased risk of injury: An unbalanced horse is more likely to trip or take a bad step, potentially leading to a more severe injury for both horse and rider.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and give your horse some time off until the farrier has replaced the shoe.
Prevention Beats Panic
While you’re waiting (or pacing), make plans to dodge future fly-off events:
Routine resets: Every 4 to 6 weeks - the longer the foot, the looser the shoe.
Balanced nutrition: Deficiencies can weaken hoof wall keratin.
Proper footing: Deep mud, muck, and clay love stealing steel.
Bell boots: Make sure they fit correctly and completely cover the heel of the shoe.
Condition checks: Run a hand along clinches daily; raised clinches often foreshadow a loose shoe.
Thrown shoes are annoying, but they're not the catastrophe your brain initially made them out to be. The difference between a minor inconvenience and a major problem usually comes down to those first few minutes after you realize what's happened.
Stay calm, take a good look at what you're dealing with, and focus on keeping that bare hoof protected until your farrier can work their magic. Most of the time, your horse will be perfectly fine hanging out with some temporary protection while you wait for the cavalry to arrive.
And here's a pro tip: when you're not sure what to do, just pick up the phone.
Your farrier has heard it all before and would much rather get a quick call asking, "Is this normal?" than show up to find a problem that's gotten worse. Same goes for your vet; they're not going to judge you for being cautious about your horse's well-being.
The bottom line? Thrown shoes happen to everyone. Now you know how to handle it like the competent horse owner you are.
Need a deeper dive into hoof emergencies, daily care hacks, and when to call in the cavalry? Check out my book Hoof Care 101: Hoof Health for Horse Owners - packed with practical tips and step-by-step diagrams on how to pull a loose shoe. Grab your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or order a signed one straight from the barn aisle.