Equisocks Technology Offers Alternative to Traditional Horseshoes
Submitted by: Shannon Carner
Phone: 1-434-906-3607
Email Address: Drhoof(at)live.com
Date Added: 6/18/2011
New Technology Offers Alternative to Traditional Horseshoes
Carner Equine Podiatry's Equisocks Brand Hoof Wraps End the Need For Glue, Nails and Metal in Horseshoes.
The fact that metal horseshoes do more harm than good is not a new concept, as evidenced in this book from 1869 entitled Horse-shoes and Horse Shoeing by George Fleming, “It is possible also that the hooves of horses have in time become less solid, in consequence of the continual paring and mutilation which the modern system of shoeing invokes.” and again in 1966 from a book entitled a Textbook of Horseshoeing for Horseshoers and Veterinarians from the Oregon State University states, “Since it is a generally accepted fact that shoeing interferes with the physiological movements of the hoof, alters them indeed, almost suppresses them and that all the movements are spontaneous and natural only in sound unshod hoofs, we are justified in regarding shoeing as a necessary evil.”
Much research has been done in the last decade on the function of the horse’s foot, and the findings are being highly publicized as to the damage that traditional shoes cause. Many owners are taking a proactive stance on their hoof care and in response manufacturers are stepping up with new innovative products.
In the past the only alternative to a no nail shoe was the glue on type. A glue on shoe was simply a traditional metal shoe with special tabs that fit over the wall of the hoof, and were glued into place using special 2-part epoxy. The problem with these shoes was the same as with a traditional shoe. Expansion and contraction of the hoof as well as distal proximal movement (up and down) was severely limited if not impossible. The shoe was still made of metal, therefore transmitting the shock from the metal into the internal structures of the hoof. Finally, the glue added its own issues. The epoxy that held the shoes on had to be extremely strong, therefore removal of the shoe was difficult, and hoof wall was often damaged. The drying and caustic effects of the glue were also a consideration, including sealing in of harmful bacteria on any previously undermined wall.
Next to arrive was the hoof cast, a fiberglass wrap that was applied with glue and wrapped the foot in a hard barrier almost as a boot would. The problem with casting is again, the use of drying epoxy and sealing in bacteria. The hard fiberglass material acted as a cast would for a broken arm, it stopped movement. The hoof was encapsulated in an impervious barrier that protected the hoof over hard ground, but also sealed in moisture and stopped all expansion and contraction of the hoof.
Shannon Carner founder of Carner Equine Podiatry and "The Natural Farrier" expounded on the idea of the hoof cast, creating a non-cast flexible material known as Eqisocks Natural Hoof Wear. Equisocks are antimicrobial, flexible, open weave material that wraps the foot as a hoof cast would, but provides less rigidity. Equisocks, being flexible, provides stimulus to the hoof capsule, while allowing the hoof to properly distort, thus stimulating new growth, something a shoe, boot, or cast could never do.
Equisocks are very useful in treating many common hoof aliments including founder, poor hoof quality, quarter cracks, thin sensitive soles and more.
Recently Carner Equine Podiatry has come out with a new product, an insert for the Equisocks that completely replaces the need for a shoe or boot. The shoe insert is a flexible shoe shaped insert that fits against the horses hoof,it can be wrapped over OR under the Equisock, it can also be nailed or glued on to the exterior of the Equisock, keeping your horses foot free of nails and glue!
The Ground Control Rubber Shoe insert allows for a non-slip surface, that outlasts the traditional shoe, but with benefits that no other product on the market can compete. It is safe for use on any surface including asphalt or concrete. Equisocks in conjunction with the Ground Control Shoe insert can stand up to the rigors of daily riding, and the horse can trail ride, jump and its legal for showing.
The flexibility and give in Equisocks allows for proper 3-dimensional distortion of the hoof capsule, while providing resistance for optimal hoof growth. The applications are endless, as they are being used to treat foundered horses, thin soled horses are now finding relief without the use of cumbersome boots, and owners are finding peace of mind. The Equisocks cost less than a set of metal shoes, lasts just as long, and gives peace of mind, something no boot or shoe could ever do.
See FREE videos on how to apply Equisocks at www.NaturalFarrier.com or Facebook "The Natural Farrier"
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