Alternatives to gel pads in the foot

[_jetset_]

My mare had an impar ligament injury back in August which has improved greatly with IRAP and corrective shoeing (increased heel and improved angle of the hoof).

She has her shoes done every 4 weeks and up until last week she had the gel in her feet every shoeing. However, this was working out so expensive every 4 weeks

So last week we did not put the gels in and this week she is looking a bit footy again

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Nailed]

If the gel comes out in one peice, its possible to use it again.

Alternatives could be leather/plastic hoof pad. These are not that expensive at all.

Lou x

 

[_jetset_]

No, you can't use the gel again as it falls out if you do this

What are the plastic pads?

 

[Nailed]

what gel is it? If its Equipak or Equipak CS and you fit it using the netting then you can use it again.

The plastic pad sits between the hoof wall and the shoe and acts by prtecting the sole from being in contact with the rough ground.

Usually they are used for medicinal puposes, such as to keep a puncture wound clean, dressing in place.

But yours seems to be a soft sole/weak sol/ feeling the roungh ground issue which they work well for.

Lou x

 

[_jetset_]

Thanks... we tried using the Equipak twice but it just bagged and got so much rubbish between

So looking for something that will last!

 

[Nailed]

Hum not fun!
Ask your farrier about trying pads, as it does seems to be a sole issue as appose to anything too sinister!

Lou x

 

[bubble0127]

I used to have plastic pads put on my horse they were reusable x

 

[_jetset_]

bubble0127... do you have any idea where you got them from?

Nailed... she was so incredibly sound just before she had the gels taken out, I am a bit gutted to be honest but she is not too bad when she is working. My husband asked me whether it could be a bit like when I lose a nail (I have acrylics) and my fingers feels so tender because i can feel things with it rather than having the nail protecting the end.

 

[CarolineStern]

Ask your farrier for pads with magic cushion hoof packing if you google this you can find out about it. I have this on my horse, it's a soft medicated hoof packing, chaper than equi-pak. I brought my pads and they get re-used and only pay for new shoes and magic cushion, it's brilliant.
Good Luck!

 

[Nailed]

Your farrier will get the pads from his supplier hun.

I think it would be just how your husband described.

You may find she gets better in the next few days are she gets used to it.

If not ask farrier for plastic pads, least they will protect the sole and the frog, and there about 3 pound a pair lol

Lou x

 

[_jetset_]

Where did you get your pads from?

 

[_jetset_]

I am struggling to find reusable pads on the internet... Does anyone know of a site where they do the plastic ones?

 

[CarolineStern]

My Farrier supplied the pads, ask your Farrier he / she should be able to get some from a Farrier's Supplier's, if not already got a load in his/her van!!

Imprint have a web site on Glue on plastic shoes, but they turn out to be very exensive as the farrier's have to go on courses to learn to apply them correctly and also you need a lot of other materials so the cost is a lot.

Do ask your Farrier / Vet about Magic Cushion it really is good stuff!

Good luck, hope your lovely horse is more comfortable soon!

 

[Alibear]

Are you not claiming the cost of the pads from your insurance? Mine are paying out for a years worth for my lad.

 

[Angua2]

I used to use horse trax pads, they were pads that had a gel insert that were nailed in between hoof and shoe. I used to get two sets of shoeings out of one set which were about £18 inc VAT. keep my extreamly flat footed TB sound and i never had a problem with thrush either