Trim
hoof with proper biomechanics make sure the walls are clean (do not
use liquid cleaners) use file side of a rasp or sanding block to
clean hoof wall.
Do
not trim the toe too short this will add sole pressure defeating the benefits of proper biomechanics. Keep in
mind the distal aspect of the coffin bone dorsal wall MUST rotate
DOWNWARDS for proper boney alignment. Make sure there is concavity. Prolapsed soles must be address before boney alignment can be achieved.
Check
for any signs of thrush or white line disease if any there is any signs treat
with silver sulfadiazine (Thermazene) before applying dental impression
material. Make sure you are using the right Durometer (Soft 40 - Extra
Soft 25) Mix as per manufacturers instructions add enough for proper
caudal support.
Wrapping Hoof with Equicast
Casting a Hoof
When wrapping a hoof make sure you have gloves on (resin cannot be washed off) do not pinch the bulbs. Use the whole roll on hooves that are a size 1 or bigger. The benefit of casting is a banding effect control expansion (dynamic stabilization) common sense is important here, add support were it's needed.
Trim Cast for Proper Alignment
Finial Fitting
Finally, trim the cast for proper balance and alignment, if clips are being used make sure (file casts to fit clips) they are fitted firmly against the cast.
Apply Glue on Med/Lat Wall
Applying Dental Impression Material and Glue
Apply a couple CCs of Equilox to both the medial and lateral walls from about the 3rd to 3rd nail mid wall, then start wrapping once the hoof is wrapped with the casting material use some stretch wrap and go around the cast a few times. Set freshly cast hoof on a forming pad. Let the cast set up for a couple minutes then remove the stretch wrap. The cast must be thoroughly dry (a hair dryer speeds things up) before gluing a shoe on.
Glueing A Shoe Onto Equicast
Gluing a Shoe to Equicast
File bottom of cast remove contaminates, dirt, shavings etc.I find that a shoe that has been pre drilled with a 3/8 holes drilled around the shoe works really well, this will assure a good bond between shoe and Equicast. I prefer Aluminum St Croix Eventer type shoes or a Natural Balance Style shoe works real well for a number of reasons: ease of break over, ease of working, support and cost. Make sure the casts is dry (I use an industrial dryer).p. Apply a generous about of glue onto the hoof surface of shoe and where the shoe will meet the cast. Press the shoe (guys don't press to hard) so the glue oozes out of the drilled holes, then stretch wrap the hoof hold in the hoof in air for about a minute or until the glue has setup. Gently place hoof on ground, hopefully they will stand for 5 minutes before moving. This will assure a good bond between casts and shoe.
Finished Glue On Shoe
Glue On Shoes With Equicast
After the glue has cured for 5 minutes set clips do not set clips until the glue has cured, this could break the bond on glue that has not setup completely. In some cases you can nail one side and glue the other if there is no hoof wall on one side. This gluing method should last a 4 - 6 week shoeing cycle .
