A product called horse-slips™ has recently been introduced to the equine hoof care market. It is presented in extruded spirals of a one piece rubber material (Fig 1) that has a thick ground surface with a groove and a cuff to attach it to the outer hoof wall. It is designed to fit around the perimeter of the hoof wall and is attached to the hoof wall with an acrylic composite.

Fig. 1

Horse-slips are generally used for horses not in work and not wearing shoes. It allows the full physiology of the foot to be used as in a barefoot horse while affording protection to the ground surface of the foot. Numerous indications for their use are with horses that become sore when left barefoot, horses with poor consistency to the hoof wall and flat soles, some cases of chronic laminitis, hoof wall separations (WLD), post abscess and broodmares in the late stage of pregnancy when they become sore. They are easy to apply with a minimum of tools and equipment needed. They are applied as follows: the hoof is trimmed appropriately leaving the sole in place at the sole wall junction (white line) to create a flat surface (Fig 2).

The outer hoof wall is rasped around the whole perimeter for a height of 1 inch (attachment of cuff).

Fig. 2

The horse-slip material is placed around the perimeter of the hoof and cut at the desired length (Fig 3).

Fig. 3

The heels are cut on an angle with a sharp blade to match the base of the frog. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

2 ounces of an acrylic composite is placed in the trough of the cuff (Fig 5, 6)

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

The horse-slip is placed around the perimeter of the foot, pressed tight and the excess composite is smoothed out around the cuff on the ground surface to insure a tight seal (Fig 7).

Fig. 7

The horse-slip is covered with plastic wrap (Fig. 8) and vetwrap or 2in elasticon is applied around the cuff to pull it tight against the foot and the foot is held up for 2-3 minutes until the composite has cured.

Fig 8

After the composite has cured, a rasp is used to smooth the heels (Fig 9).

Fig 9

Completed procedure (Fig 10). I generally leave the horse in a stall before turning back in the pasture. Moisture from continuous turnout does not appear to affect the adhesion to the hoof. I have used this product in Virginia and Florida with no problem.

Fig. 10

The above is for informational purposes only. Please note that I have no financial interest in this company.

For more information, see www.ag-tek.com