Natural Balance Shoes

[RedVendetta]

I would be interested in your opinions and stories about Natural Balance shoes.....

My horse was in them prior to me buying him, and was switched back into normal shoes the week before he arrived to me in January this year, and has been in normal shoes ever since. This was because the person who sold him to me insisted he didn't need them because it was the one thing I was worried about due to cost etc.

2 months ago he started tripping and occasionally dipping on landing after a jump. Because of this, Ive just had him re-shod in natural balance shoes for the first time since he's been with me and... what a difference! His movement is more free and loose, he feels (dare I say it) more forward going, but that could be to do with the fact Ive been on hols so he hasnt been ridden, but he didn't trip once, not did he brush or over reach which he can do occasion.
I am over the moon! I text my farrier to say thank you as it was so good, and normally he's such a frosty person but I am chuffed to say he text back saying he was really glad! And he didn't charge me a penny more than usual, so I'm going to carry on with these shoes!!

 

[ISHmad]

How do they differ from normal shoes? Haven't heard of these before and would be interested to know more.

 

[Marchtime]

I have my TB in natural balance and much prefer them. They don't work for all horses but with him they seem to do the trick. In 'normal' shoes he has a tendency to trip. Also he seems to keep natural balance shoes on for six weeks, where as in other shoes I'd be luckily if they lasted four weeks.

 

[the watcher]

I do like these shoes, especially for horses that can be a bit 'trippy' - they shouldn't cost any more either.

 

[RedVendetta]

[ QUOTE ]
How do they differ from normal shoes? Haven't heard of these before and would be interested to know more.

[/ QUOTE ]

This website is quite useful

http://www.tfp.uk.com/nbs.htm

Natural balance shoes change the 'breakover' point and how the horse rolls its foot as it hits the ground. They also have two clips instead of the conventional front foot one clip to enable then to be set back on the foot.