Hoof Protection

Sometimes hooves need support & protection; this does not mean they need metal shoes.

Domestic horses often need hoof support to be successfully barefoot. The difference between hoof protection & metal / nailed-on shoes is significant. Hoof protection allows the hoof to grow as it needs to, flex & have adequate circulation & shock absorption. It comes in many forms, & is extremely adaptable & interchangeable; the goal is to support the hoof, through transition, injury or stress, allowing it to adapt & recover.

Sometimes protection needs to be long-term; for example, a horse diagnosed with navicular issues may need support for months until the back of the foot recovers, or a laminitic pony may have lost the ability to grow a strong sole, so may need boots to keep her comfortable. Sometimes it is just needed for a short time, such as glue on shoes for an endurance ride or boots when a horse is transitioning from metal shoes or has an abscess.

Boots, bespoke pads, paint-on hoof protection or combinations thereof are possible. Imagination is often the key to finding something that works for your horse.

There are times when a hoof may need a metal shoe, such as when the hoof capsule needs to stay in a fixed position following a fracture; we never say never to what the hoof needs.

We look forward to creating a combination of support for your horse.