Written by EasyCare HCP, Pierre Dupré
This is an old pony with established chronic laminitis. This is a case where the goal isn’t to ‘cure’ it, but to manage the condition mechanically, relieve pain, and stabilize it.
Just a few years ago, in this type of situation, I would have unhesitatingly opted for a traditional Napoleon-style shoe (the shoe is placed upside down). Why? Because it allows you to:
- Return the tipping point.
- Relieve pressure on the toe.
- Distribute the load differently.
- Provide rapid comfort.
It’s a proven solution.
Today, I’ve chosen a different approach. Same mechanical principle… but with a glue-on urethane shoe, modified to achieve the exact same effect as a Napoleon.
- Reduced breakover
- Reduced leverage at the toe
- Adapted support
- No nails on a weakened hoof wall
The advantage:
- Less stress on the hoof capsule.
- Immediate comfort.
- Fine-tuned fit thanks to modifications to the shoe.
We don’t change the desired biomechanics. We change the tool. Experience has taught me that tradition is a solid foundation, but the evolution of materials now allows us to go further, especially on fragile, multi-pathological hooves.
The important thing isn’t the type of shoe. What matters is the desired mechanical effect and the horse’s comfort.
