Possibly stupid question for TheFarrier + other hoof care enthusiasts

[Flame_]

Why aren't all flat-footed, weak horned, crushed heeled, navicular prone, type horses shod as a matter of course in egg bars or half heart bars? Or all horses for that matter?

I'm sure there's a really obvious reason that horse shoes are the shape they are, beyond the fact that bars shoes are more easily pulled off, but I don't know what it is and was wondering if someone would enlighten me, please.

 

[Bosworth]

because eggbars can also cause a problem in their own right. My old horse was diagnosed with navicular Syndrome and despit the treating vet stating that his feet we actually 'near as damn it perfect' he decided to put him in egg bars. It was a disaster - they were too restictive and caused sever bruising right around the foot - in fact wherever they touched.

 

[Flame_]

Would they, though, if they were to use them before the horse developed navicular and the symptoms of landing heavily on the heels, collapsing heels, etc might be preventable?

You might be right.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I thought the frog had to be in contact with the ground as it has an important pumping action inside the hoof and so keeps the hoof healthy?

 

[criso]

Not shoes but these patches have been designed at the RVC

http://www.vetcell.com/vetcell/technology/hsp_hoof_support.aspx

Originally intended for horses pre disposed to heel collapse however mine wears them as his heels are underrun to help support as they grow.

Although they are currently being used with shoes, they could also be used on an unshod hoof.

 

[Flame_]

Wow, they are really interesting. I hope they are a success.

BOF, I wonder if that's it. Lots of frogs don't actually make contact with the floor in normal shoes though.