The decision on whether to wear jodhpur boots or long riding boots can be hard enough without the added decision of what to put on your horse's feet. However with the introduction of new plastic shoes, many equestrians are deciding to make the switch from traditional steel ones due to their lighter weight and better durability.

At the moment only a small number of equestrians use the shoes due to their higher price and the lack of farriers with the expertise in fitting them. Currently they are mostly used for horses with poor foot conformation or horses that do not grow sufficient horn walls. As they are fitted using glue rather than nails, the shoes are less damaging and so also suite horses with poor hoof quality.

Although many riders are dubious as to the suitability of the plastic shoe at competitions, they are beginning to be used by some event riders who find them durable enough to withstand even the tough impact of a cross country course.

However as the shoes can cost at least double as much as their steel equivalents, many riders are likely to remain using the traditional steel versions. Currently a pair of plastic shoes costs a farrier £30-£40 to buy which doesn't take into account the cost of adhesives or the time needed to learn how to fit them.

Once the market forces have driven down the prices, the shoes are expected to become much more popular and no doubt will become just as contentious as the debate between whether jodhpur boots or full length leather riding boots are better.