In this blog article, we delve into the main reasons why Equine Fusion’s All Terrain hoof shoe is one of the most modular and adaptable hoof shoe products on the market. We explore the origins of the Norwegian manufacturer’s innovative approach to modernizing hoof shoes, and highlight the fantastic benefits your horse will have from using these technically advanced, state-of-the-art hoof shoes.
Why horseshoes? Happy, healthy performance horses
Equine Fusion was founded by a dedicated horse owner who had a horse that was always unwell. Despite veterinary examinations and treatment, the horse never seemed to get better. As a last resort, the metal shoes were removed. This not only led to a great improvement in the horse’s well-being, but was also the beginning of the development of the jogging shoe.
EQ All Terrain – EQ for your horse
The ability to empathize with an animal’s feelings, stress and discomfort is a rare but commendable strength. The founder of Equine Fusion was certainly such a person. He recognized the helplessness of his horse, which had to wear iron hooves and was correspondingly uncomfortable. By using his own emotional intelligence for the benefit of his horse, he was able to alleviate the animal’s pain. The result was the development of a range of high-tech hoof shoes, all with the unique feature that they can be put on and taken off without having to nail anything down.
Which hoof shoe is the best? – The advantages of the All Terrain Jogging hoof shoes
The Equine Fusion All Terrain is the first hoof shoe that has a thick sole for any terrain. For this reason it got the name All Terrain. Meanwhile all Equine Fusion hoof shoes have the “All Terrain” sole. This sole provides optimal cushioning for the hooves, has very little wear and is extremely durable.
The thick tread and soft material allows the sole to conform to the ground for added safety. The soft sole allows the horse to feel the ground, making it more sure-footed. When stepping, the pressure is transferred evenly to the entire hoof. This sole is suitable for any type of terrain. On grassy and wet terrain, its sole made of a special rubber compound provides a dry environment for the hoof. And with the Stud Kit, the All Terrain hoof shoe is also a safe bet in snowy conditions. On hard surfaces such as concrete or an asphalt road, the All Terrain not only provides your horse with a high level of comfort, but also gives you both the security of being sure-footed and able to ride without worry. 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.
The All Terrain 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.
Accessories for the All Terrain hoof shoes
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 scissors to hand,
trim and the pad fits into the slim version.
What else the All Terrain can do
Where to use the All Terrain hoof shoes
The All Terrain hoof shoe was developed for riding. However, it also provides best services as a paddock shoe, transport shoe or sick shoe. 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
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.
For every hoof the right size
The All Terrain is made in 10 different sizes from the very small hoof for the shettie 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 version is about 0.5 cm narrower and 0.5 cm shorter than the regular width. In the Slim variant, the hoof shoe is also not quite as high as the regular width. On the sole of the Slim is a heart to see and the regular an oval.
All sizes please see here from the interactive table
Donkeys and smaller horses never miss out at All Terrain
For donkeys, the Slim variant of the All Terrain has proven very successful. In the upper area, the All Terrain 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.
The All Terrain goes over the coronet band of the hoof and therefore does not comply with the Performance Testing Regulations (LPO) of the FN and is not approved for tournaments. For this purpose, Equine Fusion offers the 24/7 hoof shoe.
Unusual hoof sizes and shapes
In the upper area, the All Terrain is very nicely padded to prevent pressure and chafing. In addition, the material is very compliant. 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
Horses with very flat hooves can get problems in the fetlock from time to time. It may be that the All Terrain chafes a little there. For all other hooves, the All Terrain is very suitable. There is very little pressure or chafing.
For normal, steep, asymmetrical, broken hooves, irregular hoof shapes, this hoof shoe is excellent. In this hoof shoe, the hoof shapes can change until they reach their optimum.
For horses the stripes, i.e. a swinging forward movement of the hooves, the All Terrain is not so well suited. When the large flap is closed in the front area, small ears protrude on both sides. These little ears can touch grazing horses and minimally open the hoof shoe. This constant stress on the Velcro closure reduces the durability of the hoof shoe.
Short acclimatization time with All Terrain
This 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. Likewise for trail rides.
The Equine Fusion Jogging Shoe is designed after the natural model of the hoof to maintain the fantastic function of the hoof’s biomechanics. The Norwegian company Equine Fusion has worked over 5 years on the development, 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.
Putting on the Equine Fusion All Terrain hoof shoes
Using the All Terrain is very easy:
You push the large tab forward and then open the two Velcro closures to the two sides. You can fold the back part of the hoof shoe back, this improves the entry of the hoof into the hoof shoe. I personally have never done this. Then put the hoof shoe over the hoof and twist it back and forth a little and push the hoof in. Make sure the hoof is really all the way in the hoof shoe by wiggling the hoof shoe on the lifted 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 shoe to the horse’s hoof and prevent the hoof shoe from getting lost. Then pass the large flap over the two Velcro fasteners and the procedure is finished.
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 All Terrain. 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.
