Farriers around the world know that no two horses – and no two hooves – are exactly alike. When analyzing manufactured horseshoes, two main shape categories stand out: symmetrical and asymmetrical. A symmetrical shoe provides a neutral base that can be easily adapted into every shape, making it ideal for hooves with minimal mediolateral difference.
In contrast, an asymmetrical shoe has a clearly defined lateral and medial side, mirroring the natural unevenness of many hooves. This style has traditionally often been used for horses with wider hooves, where the difference between the two halves of the hoof is more pronounced.