Rehabilitation Made Easier
In his constant quest to improve the way we care for horse's feet, K C LaPierre has developed a new product called Energetics Perfect Hoof Ware™. Its main aim is to help to comfortably transition horses from being shod to shoeless, but it can also be used as an alternative to shoes when a shoeless horse is used in a harsher environment than its feet can cope with. It provides good support to the foot and, most importantly, promotes healthy growth in a way that cannot be done with rigid metal shoes. In most cases it allows the owner to continue riding the horse after shoe removal. It is so different from anything else available that it is being patented.
Perfect Hoof Ware™ consists of a coarse weave, resin impregnated bandage that is wrapped around the edge of the hoof wall and sole. Within a couple of minutes of application the resin cures to create a protective exoskeleton that exactly conforms to the shape of the foot. The cured resin has similar mechanical properties to hoof wall, being both tough enough to cope with the rigors of daily life and flexible enough to allow the internal structures of the foot to function as nature intended. It is antibacterial and breathable, therefore helping to keep out infection and preserve good hoof moisture content. On average Perfect Hoof Ware™ lasts for approx. 3 weeks. This is intentional because the rapid hoof wall growth that occurs needs trimming this frequently.
The way that Perfect Hoof Ware™ shapes exactly to the foot makes sure that even the weakest parts of the foot get the stimulus that they require to promote healthy growth. Unlike a nailed on shoe, it can be fitted to the thinnest of hoof walls and helps to prevent weak walls from cracking, flaring and flaking because the bottom of the hoof wall is firmly supported. Having similar mechanical properties to hoof wall means that it will help to absorb and distribute shock in the same way that hoof wall does, so avoiding the harsh vibrations of metal shoes, and the over-damping of soft rubber pads. Its flexibility allows the internal structures of the foot such as the colateral cartilages to be gently exercised, thereby building up their strength without over-stressing them.
Benefits for the horse:
- Reduces the discomfort that can occur when a horse has its shoes removed.
- Stimulates healthy growth internally and externally.
- Very light weight, so minimises the stresses on legs.
- Cannot move and rub soft flesh because is is entirely below the coronary band.
Benefits for the owner:
- No messing about with taking boots or pads on and off.
- In most cases it is possible to continue ridding a horse straight after shoe removal.
- Can be used in competitions that do not allow foot ware that covers the coronary band.
