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 toe too short. This will defeat proper biomechanics. Keep in
mind the distal aspect of the coffin bone's 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 is present treat
with silver sulfadiazine (Thermazene) before applying dental impression
material. Make sure you are using the right Durometer (Soft 40 or X
Soft 25) Mix as per manufacturers instructions ad enough for proper
caudal support.
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 nail back - mid wall - (check photo_ quickly start wrapping with a DRY Equicast this will make sure there is a good bond between hoof wall and Equicast casting material. Set freshly cast hoof on a ThinLine pad or hard Plastic pad sponge on water. Keep checking the bottom of the cast (remove pad) to make sure the cast is not sticking to pad.
Let stand for about 20 minutes on dry footing or use dryer to dry out cast before gluing shoe on.
Wrapping Hoof with Equicast
Wrapping 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 wrap on hooves that are an 0 size and bigger. The benefit of casting is a banding effect; control expansion is the goal for establishing proper biomechanics. Depending on what is needed either a circumference wrap for hooves that need later and vertical integrity, or wrap the bottom for hooves that need sole support. Common sense is important. Add support were it's needed. Generally adding dental impression material or pour in pads is needed.
Trim Cast for Proper Alignment
Trimming Cast:
Trim cast for proper balance and alignment. If clips are being used make (file casts to fit clips) sure they are fitted. Proper balance and alignment can be achieved with shims, Equilox, Super Fast etc. This is the time to make sure the hoof is balanced both medial/lateral & anterior/posterior as well the proper angle. Adding shims/wedges is very effective on the casts.
Glueing A Shoe Onto Equicast
Applying Shoe to Equicast:
File bottom of cast remove contaminates, dirt, shavings etc. Use a shoe that has been pre-drilled with a 3/8 drill. Drill two more holes behind the forth nail hole. This will assure a good bond between shoe and Equicast. I prefer Aluminum St Croix Eventer Shoe or Natural Balance Shoe for a number of reasons: ease of break over, ease of working, support and cost. Make sure the casts is DRY use an industrial hair dryer to speed things up. 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 drill holes. Hold in the air for about a minute or until the glue is not sticky. Gently place hoof on ground let stand for 5 minutes before moving or riding. This will assure a good bond between casts and shoe.
Finished Glue On Shoe
Finished Glue On Shoe:
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) finish cast for looks. You are done!
In some cases you can nail one side and glue the other if there is no hoof wall on one side.
