Aluminium glue on shoes?

[dieselfitter]

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on using aluminium shoes as a temporary fix for a horse being transitioned back into work. They're glue on, there's no nails, they're lighter and temporary. My boy is going back to work after being mostly on grass for the past year and a half and will (hopefully) be out hacking on roads and forest trails in the next month or so. I've walked him out on the roads and up and down the gravel driveway as often as I can to try to condition his feet a little but I don't want him being tender as he goes back into work.

It seems like a viable short term solution, I'd have to get boots shipped over and the thought of getting the wrong fit and sending back and forth doesn't appeal.

This link sounds quite promising - I was worried there would still be a fair bit of concussion on his joints with any sort of metal shoes, but it's mentioned here that aluminium is a softer compound.

www.horseshoes.com/advice/kopisch1/usalsonq.htm

If anyone has had experience of these, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks!
Lisa

[intouch]

Don't know a whole lot about aluminum shoes but my understanding is that although they are lighter, the vibrations they set up are even worse for the limbs than iron shoes. I've bought hoof boots on line in the past - so long as you measure correctly, there shouldn't be a problem. Have a look at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk, they are very helpful.
Lesley

[poppysmum]

As the shoes would be glued on to the feet when they are in the 'contracted phase' ie off the ground and not weight bearing, then the natural ability and need for the hoof to expand to absorb concussion, would still be inhibited- although not by something nailed to his foot. I think the boots seem like a better idea.

[mariab]

Another thing you can use which I use

[mariab]

Computer gremlins I use casts from equicast or equitech, which are brilliant for all things from transitioning, separation of lamina, shelly foot etc, they stay on for 3-4 weeks and hoof stays bare and grows nicely in cast, just had one on my horses rear right as massive subsolar abcess and as his sole is so thick I had cut everything away and used a cast for 2 weeks to protect and let things grow back again,you can ride straight away absolutely brilliant.

Easycare also do a glue on boot and of course the glove, but the cast is great no worries about disease developing they are permeable so you can soak if you want

[intouch]

Have heard that the casts are not a good idea if your horse has a tendency to lami as they can disguise an attack - also, although it doesn't count in Ireland, they might possibly be construed as a "shoe" so in UK could get a trimmer in bother with the farriers!
I've seen them used to good effect but have to say I'd prefer removable boots.
Edited to ask - has anyone tried the glue on rim thing - can't remember the name - Horslips? I know it's made locally and comes in a spiral that you trim the length you need and glue on.

[mariab]

Absolutely do not mask an attack of anything, am rehabbing a chronic founder horse at the moment and he has worn casts with pads just for a very short while as his P3 was on the brink of protruding 3 trims and a different horse, he did suddenly go slightly lame with cast on in one foot they are removed quickly check the hoof and replace or leave off.

If you only need protection when riding then yes boots are the answer if you need more 24/7 protection casts are superb speeds up things and you only have them on very short time.

You can use them in the UK they are not seen as a shoe

There are so many things on the market keeping your eyes open and looking laterally makes for a holistic practitioner only looking in one direction limits you, all horses and their hooves are individual and not always following text books so keeping an open mind is important, if you are having trouble transitioning you are missing something and getting a professional to look will help you or get different professionals amazing how alot of time they come up with different answers and solutions

Anyway whatever you choose don't give up if it doesn't work we learn from our mistakes

[intouch]

That's good to know - we have a foundered pony atm, if EP trim doesn't work, might try casts.