Horse shoeing is the process of fitting metal shoes to a horse's hooves. This practice helps protect the hooves from wear and injury, especially for horses that work on hard surfaces or participate in sports. The shoes are typically made of steel or aluminum and are shaped to fit each horse's unique hoof structure. A farrier is a skilled professional who performs horse shoeing. They assess the horse's hooves, trim them as needed, and attach the shoes using nails. Regular shoeing is important for maintaining a horse's health and performance, as it can prevent issues like lameness and hoof damage.