People & roles
Farrier
A farrier trims hooves and fits racing plates — the lightweight aluminium shoes thoroughbreds race in. Plating choices interact with going: some horses are shod differently for wet ground, and a lost or shifted plate before a race is a legitimate reason for a scratching or an underperformance. Foot soundness is one of the most common limiting factors on a racehorse's career.
In use
The horse spread a plate at the barriers and was withdrawn on veterinary advice.