Equicast Hoof Wear - Protection System

Many hoof problems stem from hoof wall failure due to environment, breeding (thin soles and walls) or conformation resulting in hoof wall fatigue and failure. This failure is seen in hoof distortions such as flares, quarter cracks, white line disease, long toe low heel syndrome and clubfeet.

Conventional methods employ shims pads and/or hybrid shoes in an effort to dissipate excessive hoof wall pressure from the bottom of the hoof (with limited success). Casting (Equicast) adds unitized stabilization supplementing both vertical integrity and lateral stability to the entire hoof capsule.


Applying a fiberglass/polypropylene resin impregnated casts around the circumference (hoof wall) and outer perimeter of the sole wall junction (distal hoof wall) adds unitized stabilization to the entire hoof capsule! This is achieved due to the banding effect created by the wrapping process. Once integrity has been achieved the enhanced biomechanics should aid in stimulating hoof growth. Because of this unitized stabilization an effective and proper biomechanical trim can be applied. A proper trim with the benefit of unitized stabilization (casting) unloads areas that have excessive pressure. This disperses consistent stimulation to the entire coronary band and will reduce structural deformities caused from uneven coronary band stimulation such as bent or broken bars, hooks and uneven hoof wall thickness.

There is an infinite supply of blood to the hoof NOT an infinite volume of blood to the hoof.  Therefore if one area of the hoof is getting too much stimulation (i.e. excessively thick walls) it is taking from another area of the hoof that is not getting enough stimulation (thin walls). Wall deformations, such as thick dorsal wall and heels (excessive stimulation) and thin quarters (under stimulation), are examples of this condition. Casting affords additional and more normal support for proper biomechanics allowing for a more normal biomechanical and functional foundation for the equine athlete. Once the hoof is in the center of the boney column proper form follows function and (function follows form). The hoof will, accordingly, have a more evenly, normally dispersed stimulation and thus healthy, strong growth without the need of unitized stabilization (casting).

Vixen and her recovery from severe Laminits. Bruce Haak of Afton Farrier Supply, Afton, New York. Late last fall (October 10, 2008) Bruce was contacted by Andrea Nussinow and asked if Bruce could help her horse Vixen. Everyone told her to put the horse down there was no hope! Bruce saw he was up against a tough case - in Bruce's dry straight demeanor he said "lets try Equicast". Well 3 months later Vixen has made a remarkable recovery. What is so striking is the amount of growth in 3 months. The method that Bruce used is also unusual - Bruce opted to leave 3 casts per foot on for 3 months straight. What is incredible is the amount and the symmetry of growth. Check out Laminitis here on this website and watch the video via You Tube.