Epona Shoes

SavannahIce · Epona Shoes

When my new horse came, my barefoot trimmer pulled his front shoes. Everything was going well, the usual transition consisting of walls chipping at the nail holes. Then he was VERY ouchy, even in some boots. So we got his front feet x-rayed and luckily there is nothing seriously wrong with him. My trimmer said that his soles are extremely thin and his digital cushions are being squished out the back of his feet. She strongly suggested shoes and said he needs them now, but hopefully within a year or two he can go barefoot. She said it is probably due to breeding, bad shoeing, and he also was a grand prix jumper (she has another client very similar to his feet who also is jumped to death).

So she suggested Epona Shoes with hoof casting for awhile until his walls can grow out more. Then either stick to the Epona Shoes and nail them, or natural balance shoes if we can't afford the eponas. She will be putting the Eponas on him in a little over a week. I'm not really sure whether I will want metal shoes on him, it depends on what we can afford.

Does anyone else have experience with Epona Shoes? I'm actually quite excited for him to get them, I can't wait to see him comfortable all the time and get his feet healthier. I have been using Old Mac G2's on him when riding, but he is uncomfortable without them.. in his paddock

Kim Cassidy

I LOVE the Epona shoes and have a number of ongoing "examples" of what changes you can achieve with them.

I have heard of Leah and one other trimmer utilizing the casts and the shoes together.

For me using the casts is not necessary, I like just the IM, Glue and Shoes.

If applied correctly with a good trim you will get amazing results. Yes they are expensive, but you can reuse the shoes, if you grind or rasp the old glue off. On the east coast I could get 2 - 3 resets depending on the terrain. Here in Arizona they last 4 - 5 weeks and fall apart

I've been to 3 of their California clinics and will be going again in October.
Their site www.epona-institute.org is full of good articles and info.

Who is your trimmer? Why aren't you just using the shoes with the rest of the materials? Or is it that you don't like nails?

Good luck.

SavannahIce

That's good to hear. I've read almost any article I can find about the Eponas. And have found some good information about how much horses feet can change when using them.

What do you mean the rest of the materials?? My trimmer plans on packing the foot, building up some support, glue and then hoof cast. Right now he has nothing to nail to. I'm not against nailing.. there just isn't much to nail to.

I've heard of reusing the eponas and hopefully she will, that would be cheaper for us

Yeah, we're in the Northeast.. soft ground.

ForgeNHammer

I'd make sure the "trimmer" knows how to put on eponas. If not I'm sure Kim could help via email or phone. As for NBS shoes I'd be REAL sure they can shape a shoe, I've seen a ton of distorted feet in them.

SavannahIce

She is very familiar with the Epona shoes and uses them all the time. Was trained how to put them on, etc. She is a trimmer but also does alternative shoeing methods.

Thanks!!

One week from Wednesday and he'll be getting his new shoes. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Kim Cassidy

I would then just use the IM and glue the Epona's directly to the foot. Leave the horse in a stall for an hour and you should get 2 - 3 weeks out of them IF the ground is really really dry.

I would skip the casts, if you insist on using them I would cast the foot AND then glue on the Epona's.

I've yet to have a problem popping in 4 nails on a thin hoof.

Have your trimmer call me if you'd like, I can give him/her some pointers.

appellativo

Kim, I read your blurb about the Epona Institute http://www.clickandtrim.com/index...yout=blog&id=40&Itemid=55

and I have a question. I'm wondering if the epona shoe just does a great job of being a shoe and protecting the hoof (for long term use), or if it can help a pathological hoof attain better form, and if appropriate (based on horse's height/weight, living conditions, use etc) could help a horse eventually transition to barefoot in some cases?

Kim Cassidy

SavannahIce

Max got his new Epona Shoes on today! What a difference! Immediately he was able to stand under himself and have his legs straight under him. He has been standing with them out in front of him. Afterwards he was much more outgoing and definitely felt much more comfortable. Woo!!

appellativo

great! let us know how they hold up under your conditions!

cokey

Probably not the best time to have just seen this post, but I had Epona's on my normally barefoot mare for 2 cycles and the damage that they did to her feet was shocking.

Now I don't know whether it was the shoes or the farrier that applied them, but I'd never go there again...

Kim Cassidy

cokey

ladycfp

I'd be very interested in an update from OP on her horse and her experience with the Eponas. How is Max doing, the more details the better. Thanks!