EasyShoe Spacers – Why, How and When?

EasyShoe Spacers are an accessory that can be used with both the EasyShoe Performance N/G and the EasyShoe Performance.  The spacers are essentially a third arm for the farrier and set the width of the EasyShoe Performance N/G when nailing.  After the nailing is complete the spacer is removed and the shoe can flex in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions that make the shoe unique.

EasyShoe Spacers come in 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 16mm options.

After the two vertical wings are removed from the EasyShoe Performance N/G for nailing application, the spacer is needed to set the width of the shoe.  The correct spacer is inserted into the back of the shoe and the hoof care professional can now nail the shoe in place.

The spacer is used to lock the width of the shoe to the hoof before nailing.  A 16mm spacer is used in the photo above.

The same shoe with an 8mm spacer.

After the shoe has been applied the spacer is easily removed with a hoof pick or needle nose pliers.
After removal, the shoe can flex in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

The spacers can also be used to limit or lock down the vertical and horizontal flex of the shoe anytime during the shoeing cycle.  For example, the shoes are applied to an off the track thoroughbred and the vertical and horizontal movement are too much for the undeveloped hoof.  The spacer can be inserted to lock down the mechanism.  After a week the spacer can be removed and the horse can be viewed for comfort and soundness.  The ability to insert and remove the spacer while shoe is nailed or glued to the hoof gives professionals many creative options and allows different spacers to be used as the hoof expands during the cycle.

The spacer can be applied with self tapping screws if the spacer will be left in the shoe.

In short the EasyShoe Spacer was intended to serve the following functions:

1. Hold the width of the EasyShoe Performance N/G shoe when nailing.
2. The spacer can be used for long term on the rare occasion when the vertical and horizontal mechanism of the shoe needs to be locked.  It can be used on both the EasyShoe Performance and EasyShoe Performance N/G in this fashion.
3. The spacer can be applied or removed at anytime during a shoeing cycle.  A larger size can be added as the hoof spreads.