HorseSlips

HorseSlips are a cost effective treatment which has proven successful in the treatment of corns, abscesses, laminitis and cracked or broken hooves.

This alternative horseshoe is manufactured from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) by a method of spiral extrusion. This not only makes the price very competitive but also means that it can be adapted easily to fit all hoof sizes.

The shoe has proven to provide the ideal solution to protect the hooves of those horses not in work, in particular, all grass-kept horses and ponies e.g. brood mares, retired/resting competition horses, young stock and companion ponies in particular those with complaints such as laminitis.

Who can fit the HorseSlip?

In the UK it is a legal requirement that any act of farriery, including the preparation of hooves and the shoeing of horses, must be carried out by a registered farrier or vet. For all countries, we recommend that shoeing is carried out by a farrier or vet, although legislation only applies in the UK.

What are the benefits for the horse?

1. Allows natural foot expansion so encourages improved circulation.
2. Flexible material expands with growing horn
3. Cushioning material may reduce chances of concussion-related injuries
4. Non-invasive (no nails)
5. No banging of hammer or burning of hot metal onto horn (can weaken structure).
6. Quiet process of application ideal for difficult-to-shoe horses
7. Extremely lightweight
8. Opportunity for injury to horse, other horses or handler is reduced.

What are the benefits for the farrier/vet or horseowner?

1. The Slipper can be used on broken hooves so that new horn can grow uninterrupted and conventional shoes can eventually be nailed on again.
2. Easily modified for certain foot conditions as the farrier or vet sees fit (ie. Use with a frog support for laminitis, or cutaway sections in the case of corns or abscesses.
3. Easy to fit although may take slightly longer than conventional shoeing as cleanliness and dryness of the materials is necessary for maximum adhesion to occur.
4. No training is necessary
5. Only two sizes are necessary to fir most sizes and shapes of hoof, so large and varied supplies are not required.

Will the HorseSlip split or break?

Usually only if the horse is ridden or driven over working surfaces (concrete, hard ground). If the Slipper does fracture, it is invariably a sign that it is ready to be removed (as dictated by the growth rate of the individual hoof). If it splits or breaks within days of application, ii is probable that the fitting instructions were not correctly followed.

Will the HorseSlip fall off in the mud?

No, not if it is fitted correctly. The Slipper has been thoroughly tested in very wet and muddy conditions, usually remaining in place for 4-6 weeks.

Will the HorseSlip fit narrow hooves?

Yes, the Slipper can be manipulated to fit all shapes of hoof. For example, to avoid gaps between both attachment surfaces on horses with narrow hooves, it is useful to cut a small ‘V’shape in the front of the wall cuff before bonding. The Slipper should be pulled tightly into the profile of the hoof so that it fits snugly.

What type of adhesive is used?

Shuglu Is made of a flexible structural acrylic which can be used:

• For hoof repair: for brittle and damaged hooves
• To reconstruct hoof walls and give extra support
• As an adhesive to glue on aluminium and plastic shoes
• Can be rasped, nailed and trimmed like normal hoof

Will the adhesive dry out the hoof?

Although the manufacturers do not claim otherwise, should this be a concern the wall cuff of the Slipper can be trimmed down before applying to the hoof. We do recommend that the Slipper is removed every 4-6 weeks.

How long does the adhesive take to set?

It takes 30 seconds – 4 minutes for the initial set. With dry and warm conditions (18c+) being he best. The final cure process then takes 12-24 hours which is why the horse should be fairly immobile following application, (ideally stabled), until the following day. The horse can then be turned out to grass.

Will the hoof wall break when the HorseSlip becomes detached?

No, not usually. There will be no more broken horn than would be caused by the nails of a metal horseshoe.

Will the ends of the HorseSlip interfere with the bulbs of the heels?

This obviously depends on the length cut, however you can taper the branch ends of the Slipper before fitting or cut an angle into the ends of the wall cuff.

What about heel wedges or frog supports or correction of limb deormatise in foals?

If the farrier or vet thinks a certain application will work in conjunction with the Slipper, then that is up to his/her discretion. We recommend that all shoeing is only carried out by a farrier or vet, particularly shoeing of a remedial or corrective nature.

Can you put HorseSlip on all four feet?

All four feet, just the two fronts or hinds, or even just one for particular therapeutic applications.

How long does it take to fit a set of HorseSlips?

We have found it to be dependent upon the individual farrier, ranging from 10 minutes per hoof to 20 minutes per hoof. Obviously the farrier/vet must make every effort to ensure that the hoof, Slipper and shoeing environment are as clean as possible.

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