Shoeing Question...??

[sazzle44]

I was at the yard today and one of the other liveries farrier was there. I could hear them talking and he was saying how he thought it would be good for her horse to go barefoot in front.
Its a big Irish Draught and barely does any work (except when they turn it loose in the school and stand in the corner smoking :/) and is perfectly sound with pretty good feet.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought this was an odd way to shoe a horse? Shod behind, but nothing in front.
Just wondering what benefit this may have and why it might be done?

 

[china]

my farrier wanted to do this with mine and i thought it was odd but he wouldnt have suggested it if it wasnt any good. mine is now barefoot all round, he originally only wanted him barefoot infront as he kept pulling his shoes off and pulling foot off, but as he has navicular i chose the barefoot method. i didnt like the thought of him only being shod behind. being shod infront and bare behind makes more sense, but iv never seen a horse only shod behind before.