A bar shoe is a type of horseshoe that connects the two branches of the shoe with a solid bar of metal across the heel, rather than leaving the back of the shoe open as in a standard shoe. This bar — which can run straight across, at an angle, or in a curved shape depending on the design — fundamentally changes how load is distributed across the hoof. Instead of the weight bearing primarily on the hoof wall, a bar shoe allows the frog and heels to share the load, making it a valuable tool in therapeutic farriery for horses with specific hoof problems.
Bar shoes are not standard equipment for healthy horses in normal work. They are prescribed by a farrier or veterinary surgeon in response to a diagnosed hoof condition or injury, and their use is typically part of a broader rehabilitation or management plan.
Types of Bar Shoe
There are several common bar shoe designs, each suited to different conditions and treatment goals.
Straight bar shoe: A simple bar running straight across the heels. Provides support and prevents the heels from spreading or collapsing. Used for horses with sheared heels, bruised heels, or weak hoof structures.
Egg bar shoe: The bar extends further back in an oval shape, providing support behind the heel and under the bulbs of the foot. Commonly used for horses with navicular syndrome or other causes of heel pain, as the extended egg bar reduces pressure on the navicular bone by encouraging the horse to weight the back of the foot more evenly.
Heart bar shoe: Incorporates a V-shaped frog plate in addition to the heel bar, allowing carefully controlled direct pressure to be applied to the frog. Used in the treatment of laminitis, where supporting the pedal bone and preventing its rotation is the primary goal. Fitting a heart bar shoe requires considerable skill and precision — incorrect application can worsen the condition.
Z-bar or offset bar: A bar shoe variation in which the connecting bar is positioned asymmetrically to address uneven load distribution or specific one-sided heel problems.
When Is a Bar Shoe Used?
A farrier or vet may recommend a bar shoe for any condition in which redistribution of weight-bearing or support to the heels and frog is clinically indicated. Common applications include:
- Laminitis — particularly heart bar shoes in acute and chronic cases
- Navicular disease — egg bar shoes to reduce heel pain and alter breakover
- Sheared heels — straight bar shoes to stabilise the capsule
- Hoof wall cracks — to reduce movement across the crack
- Horses with weak, underrun heels that are prone to bruising
- Post-operative support following surgical procedures on the foot
Bar shoes are made from steel or aluminium and may be used in combination with pads, wedges, or pour-in packing material to provide additional cushioning or elevation.
Management of a Horse in Bar Shoes
A horse fitted with bar shoes requires careful monitoring. Because the bar prevents the normal expansion of the hoof at the heels during movement, it is important that the shoe is not left on longer than the normal shoeing interval — typically six weeks. Extended intervals can cause the heels to contract, worsening the very condition the shoe was intended to address.
Keep a close watch on the frog and sole, as bar shoes can increase moisture retention and make the foot more susceptible to thrush. Regular picking out and maintaining clean, dry stable conditions are particularly important. Discuss shoeing intervals and monitoring with your farrier to ensure the treatment plan remains appropriate as the horse’s condition evolves.
The British Horse Society recommends maintaining regular communication between your vet and farrier when therapeutic shoeing is involved. See also: Navicular, Laminitis, and Farriery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bar shoe be used on a horse in regular work?
Yes, depending on the condition being treated and the horse’s level of soundness. Many horses with navicular disease or low-grade heel pain continue to work comfortably in egg bar shoes, which form part of an ongoing management programme rather than a temporary fix. Other conditions, such as acute laminitis, require a period of box rest regardless of shoeing. Your vet and farrier will advise on whether work is appropriate and at what level, alongside the therapeutic shoeing plan.
How much does a bar shoe cost compared to a standard shoe?
Bar shoes are typically more expensive than standard shoes due to the additional material and the skill required to shape and fit them correctly. Heart bar shoes in particular require precise fitting to avoid applying inappropriate pressure to the frog, and the cost reflects this. Exact prices vary significantly by farrier and region, but expect to pay a meaningful premium over your standard shoeing cost. The investment is worthwhile when the alternative is ongoing lameness or deteriorating hoof condition.
How long will my horse need bar shoes?
This depends entirely on the underlying condition. Some horses wear bar shoes as a permanent management tool for conditions such as navicular disease. Others, such as those recovering from a one-off injury or a bout of laminitis, may be able to return to conventional shoeing once the condition has resolved and the hoof has rehabilitated. Your vet and farrier will reassess at each shoeing cycle and advise accordingly.