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CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW OR PRINT OUR COMPREHENSIVE INSTALLATION MANUAL
www.easywalkerhorseshoes.com.au//uploads/files/Easy Walker A5 Instruction Booklet.pdf
FAQ's
Q - Does easywalker slip or stop the movement of the horse?
A - Due to the special polyurethane type used, the friction coefficient is very close to that of the horn of the hoof. This assures that the horse will have a similar feel on concrete or pavement as if he were barefoot. Easywalkers do not slip as steel shoes do, nor erratically grab the surface as some "rubber" shoes may.
For use in icy, slippery or wet conditions, we recommend the use of easywalker studs (5.5mm for ice and up to 14mm for show jumping).
Q - What is the purpose and function of the lateral clips?
A - On traditional shoes without lateral clips, the shear forces that occur when turning, accelerating or stopping are absorbed only by the shaft of the nails in the white line of the hoof. In order to relieve this sensitive area from stress, easywalkers have lateral adjustable clips to relieve the stress on the nails and absorb the lateral energy into the outside of the hoof (its strongest point).
Q - Is the hoof mechanism restricted by the lateral clips?
A - No, the positions of the lateral clips are far to the front where no horizontal movements occur. Furthermore, the clips are elastic and not rigid as clips made from steel.
Q - How can easywalkers be adjusted to the shape of the hoof?
A - Contrary to a steel shoe, which must be bent, easywalkers are cut to the shape of the hoof. The farrier trims the hoof as usual and then cuts away the surplus shoe material.
Q - What kind of nails can be used?
A - The nail ducts are designed for the head of nails type E, E-slim or MX. No other nails may be used as their heads will not fit to the nail duct and can not provide the strong seat necessary for a secure fit (more info. in the assembling guide).
Q - Why does the easywalker have a mini heartbar?
A - When a horse if barefoot, the frog will always have ground contact and bear a substantial share of the load. This is essential to ensure proper blood circulation as the frog is a form of pump for the blood in the hoof. If the frog has no ground contact, as with U-shaped standard horseshoes, the function of the frog is reduced, often to zero. This results in a reduction in the size and function of the frog, which will lead to a reduction in the size of the heel and may eventually lead to a case of Navicular or lameness.
In order to ensure proper ground contact similar to that of a barefoot horse, we've designed the shoe with a bridge that has a shape like the frog to ensure full function of the frog. In addition, the bridge gives the shoe stability when using studs for show jumping or other disciplines.
Q - Does the horse need time to get used to synthetic horseshoes?
A - Horses which have never been shod normally don't require an adjustment period. Horses that have a long history on metal shoes will require some time to get used to the new feeling of unrestricted movement and flexibility. This is especially important with horses used to running on pavement or hard surfaces. These horses will need to "re-program" themselves to a shoe that provides sure footed traction and has little of the slippery feel of metal.
Q - Can any farrier install easywalkers?
A - Yes. The farrier must do a competent job of trimming and sizing, and everything outlined in the installation guide.
Q - I am a farrier and would like to learn more about easywalkers. What's the best way?
A - Email info@easywalkerhorseshoes.com.au for a free information pack or call 1800 058 171.
Q - Will easywalkers improve the situation of a horse with Navicular disease?
A - Absolutely! Easywalkers have shown excellent results in the therapeutic applications for horses with Navicular and Laminitis due to: (1) the bridge which supports the frog/heel region and promotes blood circulation (2) the shock absorption of the special polymer material (3) the shoe flexibility and (4) the low weight.
Keep in mind that if a horse is started on easywalkers early in its life, the probability of developing lameness and Navicular are greatly reduced or eliminated.
Q - I see that easywalkers are normally installed by nailing; can they be glued as well?
A -Yes, specificaly for therapeutic applications, the easywalkers can be glued to the hoof from the sole side instead of nailing. VETTEC makes a special glue called ADHERE that is very effective with easywalkers. Please refer to their installation recommendations.
Q - If a horse is doing fine in metal horseshoes, why should I switch to easywalkers?
A - First of all, a metal shoe is rigid and does not allow the vertical movement of the hoof capsule as nature has intended, to balance unevenness of the ground.
Shocks and vibration caused by metal shoes are cumulative over time and the damage may not be immediately apparent. Health care of a horse is no different from that of a human and prevention is always the best cure. Easywalkers provide health care for your horse over its entire life and the advantages may become visible only as the horse grows older.
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