Numpty hoof boot pad question

[Tiddlypom]

Molly needs extra support in her cavallo simples as we embark on a barefoot rehab. The podiatrist advised me to get her some hoof boot pads which have now arrived, and I need to cut them to size.

Once that's done, which way up do they go? I presume the foam side up as per the pic, not the rigid side, so that it they will then conform to the underside of her foot? I have texted the podiatrist for advice but haven't yet heard back, so wondered in the mean time if any of you hoof geeks could assist me .

 

[brightmount]

I haven’t seen those pads, I have used the Sole Mates pads which are just one layer, but the idea is they take on the imprint of the sole so I think you’re correct.

 

[Reacher]

Ive never seen pads with a “right way up” either. I’ve used some similar to sole mates and agree with what bright mount says.
With the sole mates type, I found that around the wall etc the pad squashed flat so provided no padding.
Maybe the rigid side is so that if the compressible side is squashed very thin in some places, you still have some padding underneath.
Sorry I’ve not written that very clearly!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Thanks, both. My podiatrist confirmed that the pads should indeed be foam side up. They are pretty sturdy, so a stanley knife wasn't man enough to cut them to size. OH did a neat job with a jigsaw, they fitted nice and snugly in the boot, aaaand then there's no room left in the boot to get the horse's foot in as they're so thick, gah.



So I thought 'S0d it' and turned her out anyway with just the thin Cavallo gel pads in instead. She seems to be doing well in her boots, depite going for a buck fart fest at first, eek.



The boots haven't moved or rubbed during all day turnout, and she seems very comfortable in them. Promising beginnings.

 

[brightmount]

It’s the same when you put a new Sole Mates pad in, it takes up a lot of depth in the boot, but bear in mind a horse weighs half a ton, the pads get squished down under the weight, just cram the hooves in the first time, and they will soon flatten and conform to the sole.

 

[Reacher]

Yes these thick pads are a PITA to cut to shape 😆
Sounds like the gel pads are doing the job but one way to do it is to get the horse to stand on the pads , taped to the hoof, that squashes them to size. That’s a bit of a faff too.

Thanks, both. My podiatrist confirmed that the pads should indeed be foam side up. They are pretty sturdy, so a stanley knife wasn't man enough to cut them to size. OH did a neat job with a jigsaw, they fitted nice and snugly in the boot, aaaand then there's no room left in the boot to get the horse's foot in as they're so thick, gah.

View attachment 26815

So I thought 'S0d it' and turned her out anyway with just the thin Cavallo gel pads in instead. She seems to be doing well in her boots, depite going for a buck fart fest at first, eek.

View attachment 26821

The boots haven't moved or rubbed during all day turnout, and she seems very comfortable in them. Promising beginnings.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I'd hoped to 'cram her hooves in ' initially somehow, but I'm clearly not woman enough for the job! The intention was to do that and then to tie her by her haynet for an hour or two while her feet sank into the pads. Oh well.

It's interesting that her frogs and and heels are continuing to expand and improve now she is getting turnout. This started during her week of box rest on a deep bed after removal of her front shoes. Maybe not having a fixed imprint yet is a good thing.

 

[ester]

I've not used them I got them 'in case' as I'm unconvinced the cavallo pads do much other than make the boot shallower so I do have some slim easyboot ones (they come in different densities).

 

[Nasicus]

I had to kinda perch my mare on top of the foam pads once they were in her boots at first, and I could barely do the straps up (Cavallo Treks) until she started to sink down into them, and it's wasn't too long before they moulded and compressed down to a sensible thickness