E-Head vs. City Head - How to Choose the Right Nails for Horseshoes

Among the many decisions a farrier makes at the anvil and the forge, nail selection is one of the most fundamental. The difference between a well-fitted horseshoe nail and a poorly chosen one can affect a horse's comfort and long-term hoof health.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of choosing between E-Head and City Head nails for farriers.

Understanding Horseshoe Nail Anatomy

Before comparing head types, it's worth revisiting nail anatomy. A horseshoe nail has three main components: the head (the top portion that sits in the shoe's nail hole), the shank (the long body of the nail that passes through the hoof wall), and the point (the bevel-cut tip that causes the nail to exit the hoof wall cleanly when driven correctly).

 

The shank is the workhorse of the nail and must be strong enough to resist the enormous forces generated with every footfall, yet precisely dimensioned to move through the white line without causing unnecessary trauma to the surrounding horn.

The head, meanwhile, must sit firmly and flush in the shoe's countersunk nail holes. This head geometry and how it interacts with different shoe profiles and nail hole stampings is where E-Head and City Head designs diverge significantly.

The E-Head Nail

E-Head nails are among the most widely used in general farriery practice across North America and Europe. The "E" designation refers to the head shape, which is broader, with a more pronounced bevel on the underside designed to seat cleanly into the standard nail holes found on most common horseshoes. The head profile locks into the countersink with strong lateral stability, reducing the risk of the nail rotating or shifting during driving.

This reliable seating makes E-Head nails a strong choice for everyday work horses, pleasure horses, and horses in light to moderate work. They pair particularly well with machine-made keg shoes, which are manufactured with nail hole stampings engineered to accommodate the E-Head profile.

For farriers working at high volume in large boarding facilities, racetracks, or busy rural practices,  E-Head nails offer consistency and predictability that speeds up the shoeing process without sacrificing security.

E-Head nails are available from most major manufacturers, including Mustad, Capewell, and Liberty, and come in a full range of shank sizes from slim (for fine-hoofed Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods) to stout (for drafts and heavy stock horses). Their versatility has made them the default nail for farriers who need one nail type to cover a wide range of horses and shoe weights.

The City Head Nail

City Head nails feature a noticeably different head geometry: slimmer, more refined, and with a shallower bevel profile. This design was originally developed to suit the nail hole stampings found on lighter, more finely finished shoes, particularly those used on carriage horses, show horses, and horses requiring a cleaner, more elegant appearance on the hoof.

The narrower head of the City Head nail sits lower in the shoe's nail hole, creating a neater, less bulky profile at the shoe's ground surface. This aesthetic profile is instrumental in competitive show environments, where presentation counts, but it also has practical benefits. City Head nails can be easier to clinch neatly, producing tighter, finer clinches that experienced farriers and judges appreciate.

The slimmer head also makes them a natural fit for hand-made shoes and bespoke ironwork, where the nail holes are often stamped or pritcheled with more precision than their machine-made counterparts.

However, City Head nails are less forgiving in shoes with wider, deeper stampings.

Drop a City Head into an E-Head stamping, and you'll get movement in the hole — a nail that can rock slightly before and during driving. That instability can lead to inconsistent nail angles, which increases the risk of quicking a horse’s nail or producing clinches that don't lie flat.

Matching Shank and Shoe

 

The fundamental rule of E-Head vs. City Head selection is simple: match the nail head to the shoe's nail hole stamping.

A nail head that fits the countersink snugly, with no rock or play, is the correct choice regardless of brand preference or application.

Practically speaking, this means farriers should keep both nail types on hand. When working with standard keg shoes for stock horses, trail horses, or everyday working animals, E-Head nails will be the routine choice. When fitting lighter plates on show horses, sport horses in disciplines that demand clean presentation, or any horse shod with finely crafted hand-made shoes, City Head nails will typically deliver a superior result.

Shank size selection remains equally important regardless of head type. The shank must correspond to the nail hole size in the shoe and the thickness of the hoof wall being nailed. A shank that's too slim for the hole will lack holding power. One that's too wide risks splitting the hoof wall or producing excessive pressure on sensitive structures within.

Source for Horse is Canada’s Leader for Horseshoe Nails

When farriers throughout Canada shop for the highest quality supplies, they turn to the national leaders in equine products, Source for Horse. Beyond our unparalleled product supply, we're known for industry-leading service at affordable market prices. For the industry’s best E-head and City Head nails, shop the Source for Horse nail selection.

E-Head Versus City Head Nails - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-Head and City Head nails interchangeably on the same shoe?

It’s not recommended. Mixing head types on a single shoe can result in uneven seating, inconsistent clinch heights, and potential instability. Always use the same head type throughout a shoeing.

How do I know which head type my shoe requires?

Examine the nail hole stamping. If the countersink is wide and deep, it's designed for E-Head nails. If it's narrower and shallower, City Head nails are the correct match. When in doubt, test a nail for play before driving.

Do City Head nails provide less holding power than E-Head nails?

Holding power depends more on shank dimensions, nail hole fit, and clinch quality than head type. A correctly fitted City Head nail, clinched properly, holds just as effectively as an E-Head.

Are there disciplines where one type is strongly preferred?

City Head nails dominate in hunter/jumper, dressage, and fine harness, showing where clinch neatness is scrutinized. E-Head nails are preferred in working ranch, endurance, and general pleasure applications.

Can a farrier modify nail holes to accept a different head type?

Experienced farriers can re-pritchel or countersink nail holes to better suit a specific nail, but this requires skill and precise tooling. It's generally better to select the correct nail for the shoe rather than alter the shoe to fit the wrong nail.

Does shank length vary between E-Head and City Head nails of the same size designation?

Shank length is primarily determined by the nail's size number (e.g., 5, 6, 7) rather than head type. However, always verify manufacturer specifications, as slight variations exist between brands.