need help in determining the care i need for my horses hooves

[HorseLady]

i have just acquired a horse, that came from the state of mo. we live in wisconsin. the horse is not shoed, but i am not sure what his hooves should look like. they dont appear to have the horse shoe shape groove in his foot, and the v area in his hoof looks as though it is peeling. the bottom of the horses foot almost looks flat footed. there is not much of a groove at all around the v area. IS THIS NORMAL AND OK?? also for this area of the country, where we have cement on the roads, fields and grassy areas where he will be ridden, should he be shoed?

thanks for any help, the horselady

[calshoer]

Every foot is individual, varying in shape somewhat.There is no way from a brief written description to even begin to say whether your horse has a problerm or not. if he has not seen a farrier in a couple of months he is due for that service anyway. What you need to do is hire a reputable farrier to look at your horse's hooves in person, discuss the expected use of the horse and make decisions from there.
Your local equine veterinarin is the best place to begin ,with a farrier referral.The horse veterinarians who see all the area animals will know best who does good work and who does not.
You should establish a relationaship with a veterinarian as soon as possible anyway, so you have that resource handy at the time it is needed, like right now with spring coming up and the time for horses spring check up ,yearly dental examination and vaccinations.
Patty