User:Cedarglobe/Hoof pad

A hoof pad is a piece of natural or synthetic material inserted between the hooves of a horse and a horseshoe. Hoof pads have four primary uses: protection of the frog and sole of the hoof, reduction of concussive and impact forces, correction of the balance of the hoof and therapeutic application. The most common materials used in the manufacture of hoof pads include leather, plastic, polyurethane, thermoplastic urethane and rubber. In most instances hoof pads are recommended by an equine practitioner (veterinarian or farrier/horseshoer), although they may also be applied at the request of a horses' owner or trainer.

Types of Hoof Pads

The most common type of hoof pad is a flat circular or 'hoof shaped' piece of material ranging from 1/16 to 5/16 of an inch thick. Flat pads are divide into two types: full pads, which cover the entire solar region of the hoof, and rim pads, which have a semicircular 'horseshoe' shape. Full pads offer a greater degree of protection against bruising by sticks, stones and other objects by covering the entire solar region. Rim pads, by leaving the solar region exposed, provide a greater degree of hoof grip than full pads and may help to protect the hoof wall against concussive and impact forces.

In addition to full pads, a wide variety of hoof pad designs have been produced to enable the equine practitioner better tools with which to treat hoof and lower limb ailments and imbalances. A few of the most common pad designs include:

Frog Support Pads:

A full pad featuring a raised triangular section in the rear (heel side) center of the pad. When applied, the raised triangular section exerts pressure on the frog and is thought to provide support to the frog and third phalanx as well as stimulate blood flow and hoof wall growth.

Wedge/Degree Pads:

A hoof pad featuring a slope of two to four degrees. Wedge pads are typically applied with the slope running down from the heels to the toe (although they may be applied differently, such as in instances of medial/lateral imbalance).

Bar Pads:

A hoof pad shaped as a half 'H'.

Egg Bar Pads:

A full pad with a central raised portion consisting of a half circle and a triangle resembling the shape of a sailboat. The raised portion is designed to exert pressure on the sole.

These common design types are often combined to form highly specialized hoof pads such as a two degree bar wedge with a frog support. The above list contains merely a few of the more common hoof pad types and is by no means comprehensive.