Making the switch from shod to barefoot. by Tab Pigg, Certified Journeyman Farrier, Vettec, Inc. The long debate of shod versus barefoot has yet to rein in for horse owners and hoof care professionals alike. However, proponents of either side can agree that the transition from shod to barefoot requires extra steps and precaution.
Similar to how humans develop calluses after walking or running barefoot for long periods of time, horses also need to develop and build-up their hoof wall after shoe removal. When switching from shod to barefoot, it’s important for horse owners and hoof care professionals to account for a transition period in their horses’ hoof care regimens before jumping back into regular trimming cycles.
Regardless of why horse owners switch their horses from shod to barefoot, it’s crucial that with any change, they keep their horses happy and healthy. To accomplish this, horse owners and hoof care professionals should consider these practices to help their horses remain comfortable when they make the switch: Similar to protecting the nailbed of a human, the internal hoof cavity requires further protection during the healing process of a newly barefoot horse. Pour-in pad materials, like Sole-Guard, help to increase sole depth and provide extra support as a horse makes the transition from shod to barefoot. Vettec’s Sole-Guard is easy to apply, durable and commonly used as a protective layer. Sole-Guard is a fast-setting, liquid urethane pour-in pad material providing strong support that retains its shape and flexibility indefinitely. It is designed to use without shoes and adheres to the sole sealing out moisture and debris, protecting both the frog and the sole. Talk with your farrier or veterinarian about how you can make your horse comfortable when you transition from shod to barefoot, and how pour-in pad materials can be a helpful tool and provide them with extra support.
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Written by by Tab Pigg, Certified Journeyman Farrier, Vettec, Inc.
Friday, 28 December 2018 01:14
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