Shock-absorbing shoes and pads

[Roseanne]

Can anyone give me information about SA shoeing techniques, that is, the hard plastic sole inserts, packed with a blue, "blue-tack" type filling underneath?

I'm a bit concerned that the sole cannot breathe properly, totally covered in this way, and I forgot to ask my farrier if he had had to trim down the frogs (both hinds incidentally), which would mean this type of shoeing will now be permanent.

Although I do not begrudge the cost of these (around £134, every 4 weeks) I am worried about the long-term value of these shoes/wedges and any downsides? I got the impression that he had agreed to my vet's request to fit these, but would not have normally used them. She didn't actually explain what was involved to me - just that she would have a discussion with my farrier before he came to the yard. When I asked what she had said, she seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, and just repeated that she "had had a discussion" - end of story.

I was a bit offended by this, as I feel as owner of my horse, she should have had a discussion with me first, but perhaps I'm expecting too much here.

Would be grateful for any advice you can offer?

Thank you.

Roseanne xxx

[Bay Mare]

Why are they being fitted to start with? What sort of isses does your horse have?

Personally I would want to know the ins and outs before I allowed my horse to be shod with these, it's important that the owner is kept informed and allowed to ask questions, valid questions! I'd want to know WHY they were being used, what benefits would be gained from them, how long they need to be used and what the short and long term prognosis was. Oh, and if there are any alternatives.

[Scarlett 001]

Wedges are often used to correct for underrun heels (you eventually would not need them) or zero p3 angles (that often go along with underrun heels). Apparently you can get good results if they are combined with the correct trim to go with them and the tubules can be sorted out so that they grow in the right direction. I have been reading about this on Natural Balance and some other farrier web sites, and there is a definite method there, but I won't go into details here although it is very interesting to read about (the wedge is an important part of how this can be achieved for a shoed horse). Anyhow, perhaps this type of thing is the reason in your case? What was the name of the filling - Equipack CS (copper sulphate) - it is blue is why I ask. Just curious as this stuff has been reported to work well on other forums I am on - you need something like this under a wedge or you can get sole deterioration - it helps prevent this from happening by its ingredients and can help treat thrush apparently with very good success. This type of filling between the pad and sole avoids the common issue of mushy soles after pads are put on from what I understand. Again, many thoughtful farriers on some other forums I am on have apparently been impressed with the success they have had with this.

p.s. And yes, they should be telling you what they are up to, no matter what it is. Start asking questions for certain. :)