One of the main functions of the horse's hoof is to act as a shock absorber that will  dissipate the forces created by weight and impact so that  the structure of the leg is not compromised. To successfully carry out this function the natural unshod hoof capsule allows for expansion both horizontally and vertically so  the major forces are absorbed. 

With a metal shoe on, this natural expansion is significantly compromised  to the point where the impact forces cannot be totally absorbed by the hoof and will  travel up the horse's leg  creating abnormal stress on  muscles, tendons and bones. This effects the entire musculoskeletal system in an adverse way.  Any rigid structure encasing the hoof will force the pastern joint to flex on uneven terrain, exposing the whole lower leg to lateral tension, for which it is not designed.  

Shock Absorption. The unique composite construction of the Easywalker provides shock absorption that cannot be matched by any pad applied to a conventional shoe.

As seen in the above graph, with a steel shoe encasing the hoof these forces can travel up the leg at 800 metres per second squared. By taking the shoe off we can reduce these forces to somewhere between 120-150 metres per second squared. However, not all domesticated  horses can cope with “barefoot”, especially in Australia’s harsh conditions, and carry the additional the weight of a rider. 

The flexible polymer materials used in the ‘Easywalker shoe  closely resembles the hoof wall and will absorb impact and vibration with minimal interference to the complex bio-dynamics of the hoof capsule. 

The Easywalker horse shoe also offers extra protection for the frog whilst at the same time helps improve the blood circulation, thus stimulating growth. This constant frog support can improve proprioception and thereby improve the horses gaits.  

The weight of a shoe also contributes greatly to the stresses on muscles, tendons and bones. This is especially true at the gallop. The “easywalker" special polymer weighs only one third of a conventional steel shoe.  

Over 5 years of research and trials  on over 300 horses has resulted in the easywalker;  a synthetic horse shoe that actually provides similar shock absorbing properties to the  natural hoof.