Corrective & Orthopedic Shoes
Corrective & Orthopedic Shoes
Specialized farriery for specific hoof and limb needs
Not all horses have the same conformation, balance, or movement characteristics. Some may develop conditions that require an approach different from traditional shoeing. In these cases, corrective and orthopedic horseshoes may be part of a management program specifically designed around the horse’s needs.
At Pepe’s Horseshoeing, we offer specialized Corrective & Orthopedic Shoes services, working with modifications to the shape, support, and load distribution of the horseshoe according to the particular characteristics of each case.
What Are Corrective and Orthopedic Horseshoes?
- Initial Evaluation: We begin by carefully examining the hooves and limbs to identify their characteristics and needs.
- Movement Observation: When necessary, we observe the horse walking to analyze its weight-bearing and movement pattern.
- Identification of the Objective: We determine which aspect of the work requires attention: support, balance, protection, load distribution, or another specific need.
- Horseshoe Design: We select an appropriate horseshoe and determine the modifications necessary for the case.
- Hoof Preparation: We perform the necessary trimming and preparation while respecting the hoof structure and the objective of the work.
- Horseshoe Adaptation: The horseshoe is modified and adjusted according to the shape of the hoof and the needs identified during the evaluation.
- Placement: We install the horseshoe using appropriate equine farriery techniques, paying particular attention to its position and fit.
- Final Inspection: Once the work is completed, we inspect the hoof and horseshoe to check the fit, balance, and support provided.
What Are Corrective and Orthopedic Horseshoes?
Corrective and orthopedic horseshoes are tools used by the farrier to modify certain characteristics of hoof support and load distribution.
Depending on the case, a horseshoe may be modified in aspects such as its shape, support, coverage, position, or distribution of material.
These modifications may be used as part of the management of horses with certain hoof, conformation, movement, or other conditions requiring specialized attention.
Each design should respond to the horse’s characteristics and the specific objective of the work.
Individual Evaluation of Each Horse
Before determining a corrective or orthopedic horseshoe, we perform an individual evaluation.
We observe:
- Overall hoof condition.
- Hoof shape and conformation.
- Hoof balance.
- Natural wear.
- Weight-bearing distribution.
- Limb conformation.
- Movement pattern.
- Differences between limbs.
- History of hoof-related problems.
- Type of activity the horse performs.
- Surfaces on which the horse normally travels.
When the case requires it, we also observe the horse in motion to obtain a better reference of its weight-bearing and movement pattern.
This information helps us better understand the horse’s needs before making any modifications.
Modification of Support and Load Distribution
One of the objectives of a corrective or orthopedic horseshoe may be to modify how support is distributed around the hoof.
Depending on the identified needs, we can work on different characteristics of the horseshoe to provide more appropriate support in specific areas.
The design is created by considering the anatomy, conformation, and condition of the hoof, seeking to ensure that the horseshoe works functionally with the limb.
Hoof Balance
Balance is a fundamental aspect of our work.
When a horse has certain alterations in hoof shape or growth, specific adjustments may be necessary to establish a more balanced weight-bearing foundation.
During the process, we evaluate the relationship between the hoof, limb, and horseshoe, seeking to achieve a result appropriate for the horse’s individual characteristics.
Horseshoes Adapted to the Case
One of the main characteristics of our service is that we do not use an identical solution for every case.
Depending on the needs, a horseshoe may require different design, shape, or support modifications.
The work may include:
- Modification of the horseshoe’s shape.
- Support adjustments.
- Changes in coverage.
- Adaptation of the horseshoe’s position.
- Modifications to improve specific weight-bearing areas.
- Specific adjustments according to hoof conformation.
- Fabrication or adaptation of specialized horseshoes.
Each modification is made while considering the objective of the work and the horse’s characteristics.
Cases That May Require Specialized Horseshoes
Corrective and orthopedic horseshoes may be part of the management of different situations related to the hooves and limbs.
At Pepe’s Horseshoeing, we work with cases that may involve:
Laminitis
Horses affected by laminitis may experience significant changes in the hoof and require carefully adapted management.
In these cases, farriery work may focus on providing the support appropriate to the observed needs and adapting hoof protection.
Navicular
Problems associated with navicular syndrome may require a specialized approach. Hoof evaluation, balance, and movement are important aspects in determining the appropriate farriery management for each horse.
Angular Deviations
Angular deviations can affect the alignment and development of the limbs, especially during certain stages of growth.
Trimming and farriery may require specific adjustments according to the horse’s conformation and individual characteristics.
Lameness Problems
When a lameness problem exists, it is important to consider multiple factors and not assume that the hoof is necessarily the only cause.
Our work focuses on evaluating the hoof and its relationship with the horse’s weight-bearing and movement. When appropriate, farriery modifications may form part of a management plan established for the case.
Ligament-Related Problems
Some horses with ligament-related conditions may require specific modifications to their hoof management.
In these cases, farriery work is adapted to the observed needs and, when a condition has been diagnosed, may be performed as part of management coordinated with the appropriate veterinary professional.
Follow-Up and Adjustments
Corrective and orthopedic cases may require more careful follow-up than conventional shoeing services
Hooves continue to grow and change, while the horse’s condition and needs may also evolve. Therefore, subsequent visits allow us to observe the changes that have occurred and determine whether modifications are necessary during future services.
At Pepe’s Horseshoeing, we consider each visit part of an ongoing process of evaluation and maintenance.