A young horse does not usually have to be shod unless it’s necessary to maintain the foot in a healthy, balanced state. Soundness is the key.  If the wear of the hoof capsule is greater than its growth,  it should be shod.

The average hoof growth rate is three-eighths of an inch (about one centimeter) per month.  However,  some variables may affect this.  For example, the rate of growth is faster in summer months than in winter.  Horses receiving proper nutrition will have faster-growing hooves than do horses eating inappropriate diets.  Exercised horses have more rapid hoof growth than do horses that are idle.  Hooves grow faster in young horses than in mature animals.

Unless a young foal needs corrective trimming and even shoeing in the case of Developmental Orthopedic Disease (club feet or underrun heels),  shoeing will not be necessary until you begin training the young horse.  Your farrier will appreciate if you’ve worked with the foal from an early age to respond to picking up his feet.  Plan to do this at weaning time if you haven’t done it earlier.