horseshoe

thumb|Horseshoes are commonly made of steel, and are nailed to the underside of the hoof. thumb|A variety of horseshoes, including aluminum racing plates (light or dark); there is also a variety of ox#Shoeing|oxshoes at the lower right

A horseshoe is a piece of equestrian equipment that protects a horse hoof from wear. Shoes are attached on the palmar surface (ground side) of the hooves, usually nailed through the insensitive hoof wall, anatomically akin to the human toenail. Horseshoes can also be glued in certain situations.