PRODUCTS AND PROMOTION

I only endorse the use of products and methods that I have tested and currently use. I have not been paid for these endorsements, I just like to pass along the info on quality hoof care products other horsemen and horsewomen may find useful in their equine endeavors.

HOOF JACK:

Hoof jack is probably one of the most innovative and labor saving tools ever to be invented for today’s hoof care practitioner and for horse owners. This durable composite hoof support system provides support for the hoof and relief from the strain of trying to hold a horses hoof and work on it at the same time. No hoof care pro or horse owner should be with out one, and they come in sizes for pony’s, horses and draft horses, plus a dental attachment for veterinarians.   Go to www.hoofjack.com for more info.

NATURAL BALANCE SHOES:

Horseshoes have long been a great contributor to lameness in horses along with traditional application methods. Finally a shoe and application method has evolved that can truly help your horse tolerate shoeing much safer and improve performance through soundness. The Natural balance shoe is a superior design with many more nailing options and a redesign to accommodate break over, heel support, and protection of P3. These shoes can help to eliminate some of the most devastating shoeing related injuries. The Natural Balance shoes are manufactured by the EDSS Corporation. Many other products are also produced by the EDSS corp. and they are cutting edge products like no others, such as the EDSS system [equine digit support system] this unique and high tech shoeing system is the first adjustable shoeing method that can be adjusted after it has been nailed on to the hoof. It can be adjusted for the horses comfort post shoeing. This is a superior method for critically lame individuals such as foundered or navicular, or ring bone etc. there are many other innovative products from EDSS, such as the Seward clog, natural balance pads and an array of other innovative products for the hoof care professional. For more info go to www.edsshoofcare.com.

HOOF RESEARCH:

Dr. Robert Bowker, Michigan State University, has brought some of the most important research in today’s hoof care world to light. Dr. Bowkers research on Hemodynamics, Break over, Navicular syndrome, etc is a must know for all hoof care providers. Most horse owners would be well advised to familiarize themselves with Dr. Bowkers current and past research. His latest research on the Physiological barefoot trim is common sense approach in todays some times ill advised barefoot movement. Bare foot trimming can be tremendously beneficial to the horse when done properly.

 For more info go to www.cvm.msu/RESEARCH/efl.index,

www.cvm.edu/news/press/phytrim.htm.

WILD HORSE RESEARCH;

Much of the new info on how to shoe and manage horses feet has come from research done on wild horse feet. And the results are very impressive. The horse can teach us much. Gene Ovnicek, inventor and researcher has provided some of the best info on wild hooves. One of the best introductory books, “New hope for soundness” can be purchased from the EDSS corporation. Many other educational books and videos are available from EDSS.  Go to www.hopeforsoundness.com

BOOTS FOR THE BAREFOOTER:

If one decides to abandon shoeing altogether or supplement your shoeing with barefoot time, some horses may need help when on hard or rocky terrain. There are more and more boots coming on to the market that are truly a lifesaver for some horses. Boots can make the transition from shoes to bare foot much more comfortable and safe.

  I have used Old Macs, and I am now using the new Simple boot from Cavallo horse and rider. The Simple boot seems to be a little bit lighter and is definitely much simpler to use. And the Simple boot is about 30% les money that the Old Macs. However, I have had good luck with both. The Strap on the Old Mac’s is one of the items that the rider must pay attention to in order to avoid a rub or burn on the pastern. Pastern wraps are available for both types of boots. Go to www.simpleboot.com or www.easycareinc.com.