Removing conventional shoes is a goal that many horse owners are looking into, sometimes out of choice, sometimes a method of last hope and others believe in barefoot theories.
This is not an article debating the question of shoes verses barefoot. Equicast is proving to be a very effective method to help transition horses from wearing shoes to going barefoot. Some horses can make the transition with no lameness problems others may benefit from extra support to help with the transition.
Articles in magazines like The Horse's Hoof stating the benefits of going barefoot: from cost and piece of mind to comfort and the mechanical benefits of a natural hoof. Numerous articles have been written of remarkable recoveries horses have made from conventional shoes to going barefoot. Transitioning a horse form shoes to barefoot does not need to be pain full or lose any riding time.
Equicast Temporary Support System (ETSS) adds support to the whole hoof capsule this temporary dynamic support allows nature time to grow a strong healthy hoof wall. Horses that have worn shoes often do not have proper mechanical dynamics within the hoof capsule. This lack of proper sole and frog dynamics (too much of too little pressure) often results in a compromise to the blood supply (hemodynamic & lymphatic system). This lack of proper stimulation may predispose a horse to many common hoof lameness issues like navicular, white line disease, and shelly walls.
ETSS is helping many horses transition from wearing shoes all the time to barefoot. Pulling shoes and going directly to barefoot may be painful for some horses with unhealthy hooves. The health of some hoof walls have suffered because of wearing improperly applied shoes and/or poor trimming techniques. It's like someone that has had an injury a temporary support system helps until the injury heals. Horses that have poor hoof walls, soft soles, log toe low heel syndrome etc. may need temporary support until a healthy hoof wall grows.
Equicast has proven that adding temporary dynamic support helps restore a healthy functional hoof faster than a horse that is turned out for months with no support or horses that limp around waiting for a better hoof wall to grow.
Image:
Article on Casting by Pete Ramey
After years of study, practice and the comparison of various trimming and shoeing methodologies, I am convinced that there is no better way to grow well connected walls onto flared or foundered horses than with routine, competent barefoot trimming and careful attention to the horse's diet and lifestyle. This is also the best way I have seen to build sole onto thin-soled horses, develop a healthier foot for navicular horses, grow out wall cracks and the best way to treat and prevent hoof problems in general.
To Download the rest of the article click the icon on the right
