Hoof pads?

[Zuzzie]

Long story short: horse was a little footy 3 weeks ago. Horse overweight. Vet thought possible EMS or laminitis. Was box rested until we got the blood test results which confirmed EMS. Xrays taken of the front feet which showed his left foot had very little gap between the sole of the foot and the pedal bone. He has always had a very flat left foot. Vet suggested the farrier fit pads. Farrier came next day and fitted netting plus a clear gel under the shoe. The tubes of gel cost £40 each so that's £80 for both feet! This was done two weeks ago. Horse has been much more comfortable and I have been able to ride him out every day to get his weight down along with a diet. However, today I see that the gel has disappeared from the front of his left foot (about an inch or so) and what remains is flapping a little.

I am disappointed that this padding has lasted only two weeks. Has anyone got any idea what other options there are?

I have trawled back through posts on H&H and seen good things about Stromsholm pads and Trax Impact gel pads. Would be grateful for any suggestions.

 

[chaps89]

I use impact pads with magic cushion underneath- my farrier puts a small amount of hemp on the magic cushion before applying the pad/shoe and apparently this is the magic cure for avoiding maggots or the magic cushion seeping out. She's only had the pads on 2 weeks but so far so good.

 

[Zuzzie]

Thanks chaps89. Got the farrier coming on Wednesday so will have a long chat to him. What make are the impact pads?

 

[twiggy2]

At work the farrier uses solid robber type pads with Christmas tree frog shaped supports with the gel underneath, the pony is more comfortable but noone is addressing the underlying reason she is sore, they do always stay on for the whole 6 weeks with no problem too.
I hate pads and gel as they are so bad for the hoof health long term

 

[Zuzzie]

Unfortunately, for my horse they are a necessary evil as he just can't stand the stony ground. He was so much better with the gel inserts. I think perhaps the magic cushion plus pad might be a bit more durable.