A Design that Combines the Best of Old and New !

FOR PERFORMANCE AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

“Sneakers for Horses” are a composite shoe of three different materials

1.  An ultra wide and ultra thin aluminum bar shoe with integral side clips gives the shoe strength and stability. The wide web gives protection to the coffin bone and sensitive sole. The bar provides support and protection for tendons, ligaments, and heels.

2.  A polyurethane tread provides concussion absorption on the ground surface where it is the most efficient and provides excellent traction on hard surfaces, even greater than traditional shoes with borium.

3.  Three steel wear studs in the toe allow the horse to develop the optimal breakover location and extend the life of the shoe.

4.  Patented Radial Nailing Grooves combined with 6 front and 4 hind patterns accommodate a variety of hoof shapes and wall thickness for proper fit. A variety of nails can be used to apply Sneakers.

 5.  The unique cut to fit method of shaping and the ability to take advantage of the reverse (toe to heel) application provides exceptional therapeutic value for a variety of hoof and limb problems.

Frequently Asked Questions and Facts

How long do Sneakers last?

This question is the most difficult to answer accurately because of the variety of horse activities and terrain. The best comparison we have found is that in general the Sneakers will last at least as long as a steel shoe. If you can customarily get a reset out of a steel shoe you most likely will achieve the same wear out of a Sneaker. The primary consideration in the original design was a concussion-absorbing shoe that was economical when compared to a bar shoe and pad combination. The shoe pictured at the left is an example of the type of normal wear seen at about 200 miles of hard riding. This is the left front shoe on “Cash” after the WEC in ’96. This is about 2 weeks of daily endurance training and 100 miles of the competition in Kansas. This shoe would be expected to last 8 weeks with this wear rate.

Does the horse have to be lame to benefit from Sneakers?

Not at all. However, Sneakers do address the factors that aggravate or create lameness and reduce their effects. Horses with diagnosed lamenesses are helped, sometimes dramatically, by the application of Sneakers. This gives support to the theory that the use of Sneakers before lameness develops can delay the onset and decrease the severity of use related lamenesses. No responsible horseshoe manufacturer can claim that the use of their shoe will prevent lameness.

Is it necessary to use Sneakers on all four feet?

No it is not.  The majority of riders use them on the front feet only and have had great success.  There is a difference in the traction between standard shoes and Sneakers, which can cause your horse to move differently going up and down hills.  Some riders prefer the same type of traction on all the feet.

Can pads be used with sneakers?

Yes. If coverage of the entire sole is necessary a pad can be used. If angle correction is necessary wedge pads can be used.

Sneakers look heavy.

A weight comparison table is located below. As can be seen from the chart, Sneakers are lighter than a plain steel shoe up to size #2. The plain aluminum shoes are lighter but do not have the coverage nor the concussion absorption of the Sneaker. In addition they have probably ¼ the wear and will have to be replaced much sooner. In order for a proper comparison to be made, Sneakers need to be compared to an aluminum bar shoe and a pad. When this comparison is made Sneakers are far superior. Sneakers will outlast, absorb more concussion, provide more support and coverage than any conventional bar shoe and pad combination.

Weight comparison Chart

This table was compiled from the respective manufacturers published data and from representative shoes. The Sneakers are untrimmed weights.