British Horseracing Association Guidance Note for Racing Farriers
6 May 2026
The BHA Shoes Rule has recently been updated to provide more information about prohibited shoes. One of the additions to the list of prohibited shoes are those with exposed shoe edges that protrude beyond the hoof wall.
The BHA recognise that there is a benefit to the individual horse of shoeing ‘wide’ to provide support, e.g. to mediolateral imbalance or underrun heels. However, we must protect racing participants from the risk of laceration from an exposed shoe edge.
If the weight-bearing foot is viewed from above, the exposed shoe edge can protrude laterally, but not beyond the most lateral edge of the heel. If there is a significant protrusion, it is recommended that the exposed shoe edge is ‘boxed back’ or ‘filled’ ahead of racing.
In the rare event that an exposed shoe edge is deemed unsafe by a BHA veterinary officer, the shoe will need to be removed or replaced before the race.
