Submitted by Deanna Stoppler, Team Easyboot 2015 Member
EasyShoes can be applied with or without hoof packing depending on your goals for the hoof and the overall health of the foot.
Search online for hoof packing and you will find many options from impression materials, to moist packing that consists of a variety of ingredients, to pour in packing, to clays. It can be difficult to decide which option is best for the horse you are working on.
I tend to use five hoof packings and have specific reasons for choosing each one based on the application and reason for use. Primarily, I use Vettec Equi-Pak CS with EasyShoes and at times I’ll reach for Equilox Hoof Support Impression Material Soft. Absorbine Hooflex Magic Cushion works wonders reducing inflammation and works well when using an Easyboot, especially on an inflamed foot in an Easyboot Cloud. When using Absorbine Hooflex Magic Cushion, apply the packing then place a gauze pad on the bottom of the foot and wrap the hoof with elasticon wrap before booting. This will prevent your boot from getting sticky and caked with packing.
Below is a list my top five hoof packing picks and my reasons for use. Please note that the clays are not necessarily considered a hoof packing but can be applied as an anti-bacterial and drying agent with hoof packing or as an anti-microbial in hoof defects regardless if the foot is barefoot or shod.
If you are interested in more hoof packing options, check out Secrets of The Savvy by Debbie Schwiebert. In her blog she discusses Glu-U Shufill Silicones, packing that comes in a variety of durometers and colors.
