In this article, we take an in-depth look at the Active Jogging hoof shoe, highlighting the differences between it and its closest counterpart, the All Terrain series. We explain the benefits of the Active Jogging for all horse lovers, and we explore why the Jogging shoe is the optimal choice for riders who regularly go jogging with their horses.
Why horseshoes? A design based on the natural model of the hoof
The Active followed the All Terrain. This hoof shoe by the Norwegian company Equine Fusion, also has the thick All Terrain sole, which is suitable for any terrain. The sole provides optimal cushioning for the hooves, shows very little wear and is extremely durable.
Equine Fusion jogging shoes are designed based on the natural model of the hoof, to maintain the unparalleled function of the hoof’s biomechanics. The Norwegian company, Equine Fusion, has worked on the development for over 5 years. The hoof shoe is flexible and adapts to each hoof individually. The horse’s hoof is not cramped in this hoof shoe, as with a horseshoe or a hoof shoe with a small shell, which must be strongly tightened to the hoof. Because of the height of the hoof shoe and the ingenious system, this hoof shoe is like a jogging shoe. Walk in and feel comfortable.
Which hoof shoe for which hoof shape?
Due to the thick profile and the soft material (no hard plastic), the sole can adapt to the ground, thus providing additional safety. The horse can feel the ground through the soft sole and feels more sure-footed. When stepping, the pressure is transferred evenly to the entire hoof. This sole is suitable for any type of terrain. The hoof shoe is also very suitable for jumping and dressage riding. In front, the sole of the hoof shoe is slightly beveled, which ensures optimal rolling of the hoof.
Active Jogging vs All Terrain – the main differences
Active Jogging
The Active Jogging hoof shoe has a larger entry for the horse’s hoof and side closure straps with a nipple for hooking. Depending on the size of the hoof shoe, there are up to 3 holes that can be hooked into the nipple. This allows the hoof shoe to be adjusted to the circumference and angulation of the hoof.
The Active Jogging is water repellent and is made of easy-to-maintain synthetic leather, and has a reflector on the outside for better visibility. It can be washed in the washing machine and has no external fasteners or buckles, but held only by Velcro straps. Even carriages can be driven with it without any problems.
All Terrain
The upper part makes the All Terrain series suitable for hooves with an odd shape or angle.
The upper part consists of a two-band closure mechanism. This model is suitable for horses with a pronounced natural rotation, which can lead to twisting. That is why the right size and correct fit is very important, otherwise twisting can occur.
The Slim series is designed for an optimal fit on the hind hooves due to the narrow sole shape and lower back. (However, Equine Fusion’s Slim models may also be suitable for front hooves in many cases).
Advantages of the Active hoof shoe by Equine Fusion
Active hoof shoes as sick shoes, paddock shoes, transport shoes
The hoof shoes were developed for riding. However, it also performs as a paddock shoe, transport shoe or sick shoe best services. The hoof shoe is suitable for 24-hour continuous use even over several weeks. It is very suitable for sensitive horses. It minimizes chafing and pressure points.
This hoof shoe is also very suitable especially for horses the stripes, ie a pendulum forward movement of the hooves. Due to the large tab, which is passed around the outside of the hoof, there is only a smooth surface on the inside, where nothing can get stuck.
A horse hoof also sweats and forms moisture. Therefore, the hoof shoe should be removed 1x a day for 1-2 hours. This allows the hoof shoe and the horse’s hoof to dry and the hoof can be checked.
The Active Jogging sole reduces acceleration on impact with 40% compared to horseshoes (steel shoes) and 11-30% compared to hard plastic hoof shoes (plastic hoof shoes) on a hard packed gravel road or similar.
The Active Jogging is made in 10 different sizes from the very small hoof for the Shetty to the large hoof. It is also available in the regular size for horses with a round hoof and in the Slim size for horses with a narrow hoof. The Slim variant is 10 mm narrower in width than the regular width. In the Slim variant, the hoof shoe is also not as high as the regular width. On the sole of the Slim is a heart and the regular is an oval.
As a sick shoe or transport shoe, Equine Fusion has developed the Recovery.
The Active goes over the coronet band of the hoof and therefore does not comply with the LPO of the FN and is not approved for tournaments. In the upper area, the Active is very nicely padded to prevent pressure and chafing. In addition, the material is very pliable. A little space around the horse’s leg is important in the upper area of the hoof shoe and wanted by Equine Fusion. This allows the material to conform to the horse’s natural movement without chafing. In the area of the bunion, the All Terrain has an additional small pad to protect the bunion.
For tournaments Equine Fusion offers the 24/7 hoof shoe.
Unusual hoof sizes and shapes
Horses with very flat hooves can get problems in the pastern from time to time. It may be that the Active chafes a little there. For all other hooves, the Active is very suitable. There is very little pressure or chafing.
For normal, steep, asymmetrical, broken out hooves and irregular hoof shapes this shoe is excellent. In this hoof shoe the hoof shapes can change until they reach their optimum.
Short acclimatization period with Active Jogging
The Active Jogging hoof shoe does not require an acclimation period like other hoof shoes. Nevertheless, we recommend not to ride too long during the first uses and to check the hoof for pressure or chafing after riding. In general, however, the hoof shoe has proven to be very effective, especially for sick horses, without a period of acclimatization. The same applies to trail rides.
Accessories for the Active Jogging hoof shoe
Stud Kit
For the Winter there is the Stud Kit. The screws are easy to install in the sole and provide extra security on snow and ice.
However, I would not recommend the Stud Kit for the playpen because of the risk of injury to the other horses if there is a scuffle with lashing out.
Dampening Pads
For additional cushioning, Dampening Pads can still be placed in the hoof shoe. For each size Equine Fusion has its own pads that fit exactly into the hoof shoe. For the Slim hooves the pad has a perforation line.
Take the scissors, trim them and the pad fits into the slim version.
Putting on the Equine Fusion Active Jogging hoof shoes
Using Active is very easy:
Here’s how it’s done: you open the large flap to the left or right, then the two Velcro closures to the two sides. With this hoof shoe, the opening is so large that you can really do without folding back the back part of the hoof shoe. Then put the hoof shoe over the hoof and twist it back and forth a little bit and guide the hoof in. Make sure the hoof is really all the way in the hoof shoe by wiggling the hoof shoe on the picked up hoof. Then set the hoof down. Close the two Velcro straps and then pull up the loop inside the hoof shoe, under the large flap with a hoof scraper. This will allow you to fit the hoof boot to the horse’s hoof and prevent the hoof boot from getting lost. Now run the tab across the front of the hoof shoe to the side where the nipple waits. Attach one of the holes to the nipple and the shoe is closed.
This hoof shoe is very suitable for horses that have trouble picking up a hoof for a long time, especially if you still need to practice using the hoof shoe a little. For impatient horses and horses with very wide hoof. In the open stable the Active has proven itself. There are many open stable groups that use the Active 24/7.
Click here for the explanatory video!
Get professional advice
Never had hoof shoes from Equine Fusion? The best thing to do is to get a hoof care professional for advice. Unfortunately, however, there are not enough hoof care professionals to cover all of Germany. See if there is someone else in the stable who can show you the hoof shoes and give you a little advice. Maybe someone has the right size and you can even try the hoof shoes. If you don’t have everything, you are still not alone. We are here for you and try to find the optimal hoof shoe from Equine Fusion together with you.
We are here for you and will try to find the right hoof shoe from Equine Fusion together with you.
Conclusion
We took a look at one of Equine Fusion’s leading hoof shoe models, the Active Jogging. The strength of this amazing hoof shoe lies in its adaptability to all surfaces and riding conditions, living up to its name. We took a look at the health benefits to the horse of using one of Equine Fusion’s high-tech hoof shoes and the benefits you can expect from this great product.
We will be happy to help you choose your hoof shoe. We certainly hope that you will choose an Equine Fusion hoof shoe. If we can help you with technical details, hoof measuring, or any other area where you have concerns or questions, please write to us. We will get back to you quickly.
