In this article I would like to discuss Equine Fusion’s Recovery hoof shoe, a smart product designed for use with convalescent horses. This article will cover the applications of when to and when not to fit your horse with these shoes, as well as the advantages of the shoe over other EQ products, some of which may also be recommended for convalescence.
But first, let’s look at some of the problems horses typically suffer from when forced to wear horseshoes, and why a non-invasive approach to hoof shoes is the modern approach to equine footwear.
Why horseshoes when there are horse sneakers?
May I start with a seemingly silly comparison? Imagine you break your leg and have it heal in a cast. When the cast is removed, the leg is atrophied and feels weak. Is the solution then to put the cast back on? Hardly. The leg is exercised naturally to rebuild its strength and return to its normal, natural state.
Let’s compare the cast to a horseshoe. Since time immemorial, people have fitted horses with horseshoes to improve their work performance in the service of their masters. And the horseshoes have fulfilled the expectations placed in them, often to the horse’s detriment. Hooves need proper stimulation to be strong. How often do you hear that a horse needs horseshoes when the correct diagnosis should be that the horse has weak feet. The bones in a horse’s hoof continue to grow into the seventh year of life. Nailing a shoe to the base of the hoof impedes the growth of the hoof.
The development of the horse’s foot requires a natural application of force, which naturally makes the hoof more resistant and strengthens the skeleton to withstand the stresses in a natural and healthy way. Hoof shoes have exactly the opposite effect. Not only do they hinder the growth of the hoof, but they also increase the shocks that the horse feels when walking on hard surfaces. The hoof shoe decouples the horse from the ground, as it no longer feels the ground beneath its body. As a result, structures that are naturally designed to bear weight are no longer needed, putting stress on other muscle groups and the entire skeleton.
Research has also shown that the horse’s hoof has all the characteristics of a sensory organ (such as that of a cat’s paw) and contains a multitude of receptors that register temperature, impact, vibration and pain, virtually all of which are located on the back of the hoof. The phenomenon known as “proprioception” (the knowledge of limb position) makes use of the receptors. It is not surprising then, that many horses that wear hoof shoes often have trouble stumbling because the horseshoes obscure the sensory data.
Because little research has been done on the effects of traditional horseshoes – presumably horses have had difficulty finding legal counsel in the past – the true extent of the suffering caused by horseshoes has gone largely unnoticed. When Swedish company Equine Fusion introduced slip shoeing for horses, it was a sensation and the beginning of a new era for equine health.
Recovery Shoe by Equine Fusion
The Recovery shoe consists of the famous All Terrain sole with a unique tread design that provides excellent grip with optimal breakthrough, excellent cushioning and stability. Has the same sole as the Active, All Terrain & All Terrain Ultra. The upper is a waterproof elastic neoprene material. Waterproof zipper and elastic strap along with a heel design that allows unrestricted natural movement of the heels. The designed flexible and elastic recovery shoe allows the hoof to sink into the rubber sole and allows the hoof to have full contact with the sole to ensure natural blood flow and hoof functions.
- the therapeutic shoe / sick shoe / transport shoe is ideal for your horse during a rehabilitation phase
- problems on the hooves like laminitis, hoof sensitivity, abscesses
- horses that need medical treatment
- lower limb problems
Easy to use
- simply open the shoe wide, pull the shoe over the hoof
- elastic neoprene with zipper and elastic band to tighten
- easy to remove
- the hoof shoes can also be purchased separately
- very easy handling
- sole thickness 10 mm – 14 mm depending on size
- thread element thickness 5 mm – 7 mm depending on size
- drainage holes on each side of the sole
- the locking mechanism consists of a waterproof zipper and an elastic strap
- available in normal version from size 7 to 16
Adaptability
- the elastic upper makes it adaptable for hooves with unusual shape, form and angles
- this model is recommended for rehabilitation and transport
- the adaptable upper and fastening system allow you to fasten the shoe tightly around the hoof to stay on
- the shoe can also be used in the paddock during rehabilitation. It is not suitable for the pasture or open stable
Comfort
- the flexible and elastic therapeutic shoe / sick shoe allows the hoof to sink into the rubber sole and allows full contact of the hoof with the sole to ensure natural blood flow and hoof functions
- optimal break over
- the upper part is a waterproof elastic neoprene material. Waterproof zipper and elastic strap along with a heel design that allows unrestricted natural movement of the hoof
- the upper part is soft and comfortable for the horse
Grip
- the thicker sole gives optimal protection to the hoof
- the profile gives optimal grip on any surface
- The unique tread design provides excellent grip
- The grip changes when the surface is wet. Always consider the safety of horse and rider in relation to wet / dry surfaces
Equine Fusion jogging shoes are designed based on the hoof’s natural model to maintain the fantastic function of the hoof’s biomechanics. The Norwegian company Equine Fusion has worked many years on the development to create these very good hoof shoes. Since the hoof has to bear the full weight of the animal, the hoof is of central importance for the horse. In this hoof shoe the hoof shapes can change, irregular hoof shapes are no problem. The frog is supported by the special cut, that’s why it is excellent for horses with a sensitive hoof.
The increased stress on the hooves in sports, events and endurance riding is an enormous strain on the hoof. The hoof structure has to cope with excessive wear, tear and stress, this makes it especially difficult to maintain hoof function, without any protection. The shock absorbing effect is greatly lost with the iron. Impacts are no longer cushioned, but can even be amplified. Joint diseases can follow. The hoof pump transports the body fluids from the hoof back into the body. When the feet are lifted, the hoof contracts and the arch of the sole becomes stronger. When stepping, the hoof widens again, the sole arch becomes less.
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.
