Legal Shoeing Regulations

Under the Horse Protection Act of 1975 Part 11 Subchapter A-11.2 (Federal Law) shoeing practices for gaited horses shall be as follows:

• All caulks are limited to a maximum of 3/4 inch. Measured from the bottom of foot to a level surface. (concrete, wood, etc.)
• Any caulks in excess of 3/4 inch will effect heel to toe ratio.
• Heel to toe ratio - starting at the coronet band on the front of the foot measured to the ground. Heel is measured from hairline in front of the bulb to ground. Toe length MUST exceed heel measurement by 1 inch on all four feet.
• Roll over an weighted shoes can not exceed 1 1/2 inch along the length of the shoe.
• HPA quote "Shoeing or trimming a horse in a manner which will cause or can reasonably expect the horse to suffer pain or distress, lameness when moving and/or unsteadiness of stance with resulting muscle and tendon strain is prohibited".