Barefoot people - Hoof boot pads

[Blimpy]

I have a horse who I have taken barefoot for undiagnosed (although much examined) hoof related lameness. She is sound at the moment when in hoof boots with regular trimming so a big improvement on shoes. My question is, I am using pads in the boots and have tried a few different types from medium to hard foam type of different thicknesses. However after just one use (I only use them for riding) she has pretty much gone through the pad at the heels on both sides. Each pad is left with two indentations at the heels that doesn't spring back when I take them off. Is this normal and can I continue using them when this has happened?

She still seems comfortable to work in them like this but I am worried that they are now doing the opposite to giving heel support. Maybe this is just them moulding to the shape of the hoof? I can't change the pads every time I ride her either, a bit to pricey!

I am new to the hoofboot scene so any advice appreciated!

 

[alsxx]

Yes that's normal! The pad acts to 'take up' that area between the frog, sole etc and provide both cushioning and stimulus that's needed to improve the back half of the foot - it engages the frog with the 'floor'.

I'm sure someone who can explain better than me will be along soon though!

 

[Blimpy]

Thats good to know, makes sense! Thank you

 

[Kallibear]

Ditto the yes. The pads not there for heel support, it's there to support and stimulate the bits that don't normally touch the ground.

If you put them in warm water they usually recover

 

[Penny Eater]

I used to put mine in a warm oven for a few minutes, or in the sun when it was hot - heat puffs them back up again a bit

 

[Boysy]

Use mouse mat pads, cheaper and always spring back to shape after use.

 

[Penny Eater]

Mouse mats spring back because they have an open cell structure, like the easycare comfort pads. They don't have the same effect in providing an even, all over support by conforming to the bottom of the hoof like the closed cell pads do.