A: This question is not an easy one to answer because there
are many variables that must be taken into account, like footing, why casts
were applied, what are casts being used for, and what shape a hoof is in.
If casts are being used with nail on shoes then casts
will last a shoeing cycle usually 4 – 6 weeks. If casts are used as the only
form of wear protection, then the footing and how a horse travels has a major
effect on wear. This (casts only) is a unique dilemma because the benefit of
nail on shoes is total wear protection. However, it’s at the cost of a hoof not
wearing – beneficial wear (at the toe area specifically), so maintaining proper
hoof angles can be very challenging on some hooves that have continuous wear
protection year round. The benefit of horses going barefoot is, hooves are more
prone to beneficial wear maintaining integrity and proper hoof angles. However
sometimes a hoof may need some protection, for a limited period of time, yet
still have the ability to wear (toe area) to maintain proper integrity and hoof
angle.This is where Equicast can
be that bridge between wear protection and balance. If casts are on for say two
weeks but wear out, the casts has protected a hoof from wearing for two weeks
and has not had an adverse effect on a hoof’s balance – because of beneficial
wear. Ideally this hoof will have had enough protection to add some integrity,
a minor trim is applied accessed and either recast or allowed to go barefoot
for a few weeks, and the process is started again until natural integrity is
achieved. Any type of shoe that is on for 4 – 6 weeks (continuously) may be
more challenging in maintaining proper angles on many types of hooves. So
finding that balance between wear protection and beneficial wear is always a
challenge. There are instances where adding two cast (circumference & full
casts) will be needed for transitioning hooves that may have major structural
challenges, or is needed on horses that are on very aggressive footings so two
casts per foot may be necessary in some cases, casts with hybrid shoes (Eponas,
Happy Hoof, or Vettec - SupperFast) may need to be used to reestablish
sustainable healthy natural growth.
