Innovation helps cure equine hoof problems

Equicast offers a temporary support system, ideal in helping provide successful hoof treatments for horses. Whether equine hoof problems originate naturally or by man's doing, we can help nature in the healing process. Our product can give the protection needed for a painful bruised hoof. When more serious conditions threaten the wall structure of hooves, as with a horse hoof abcess, this custom fitting cast supports the entire structure, allowing proper re-growth and constant medication contact. For more insightful information and how our product can assist you, please browse through the helpful articles found on our site. Your horse will be very grateful.

ETSS (Equicast Temporary Support System) was developed specifically for hoof wall failure and takes hoof-care technology in a new direction. Adding temporary support to the hoof wall gives nature a chance to grow a stronger and healthier hoof. Hoof wall failure is the major cause of low angles, quarter cracks, shelly feet, lost shoes, white line disease, abscesses, etc. often resulting in the loss of use, and in some cases early retirement for well trained horses.

ETSS is different than conventional shoeing methods, the ETSS supports the whole hoof capsule as well as the bottom of the hoof, usually from the widest part of the hoof to the heel, this adds protection and support to the whole hoof capsule. Equicast can be applied three (3) different ways: 1. On a hoof then a shoe is attached (glued or nailed), 2. Over any kind of shoe, 3. Or on a bare foot, each method addresses a specific problem.

Equicast can be used as a spare tyre (that the owner applies) until a farrier can replace the shoe. Or therapeutically to restore hoof wall integrity: as in long toe low heel syndrome, quarter cracks, shelly feet, white line disease, etc. Much depends on what is needed and one’s level of knowledge. Physics, anatomy, mechanisms of movement and common sense help explain how and why ETSS restores stronger healthier hoof walls. How? By adding temporary support in three (3) areas: 1. At the widest part of the hoof between the first nail and the last nail holes, 2. Increases ground contact in the heels and frog area (caudal support), 3. Manages lateral expansion the medial wall supports the lateral wall. There are a number of signs of hoof wall overload: flares, quarter cracks, white line disease, long toe low heel syndrome, prolapsed soles, etc

To understand how, when, and why to apply casts we offer clinics to demonstrate the benefits of the Equicast system. Our Power Point presentation shows case histories, and explains how the Equicast system adds support to the hoof wall.

The History of Equicast

Early in 1990 Dr. Fred McCashin of Southern Pines introduced me to casting as a treatment for a severely foundered horse he had at his clinic. After seeing the immediate comfort and remarkable recovery that the cast gave this horse (adding temporary support to the hoof wall), I realized that this may be the answer to many kinds of hoof wall failures. For the next 15 years I worked to developed Equicast, an equine product for temporary support, a system to help restore hoof wall integrity and soundness to a failing/failed structure (hoof wall).

Conventional shoeing methods

Equicast can be used with shoes like conventional shoeing methods using nails, or glue or with cast alone. This is a custom fit every time


Each cast molds to every foot for a perfect fit. No more trying to shape a foot ot fit a shoe/boot. And most importantly adding dynamic support gives nature time to heel and grow strong healthy walls. The fact is that answers to many hoof problems are answered by the laws of physics and common sense. Keeping the answers simple for every-day applications is my goal. When addressing the basics everything else seems to fall in place.
 

Benefits the horse that needs extra protection (cast) for hard training and/or surfaces or traction (shoes) and promotes stronger, healthy hoof growth. The unique wrapping process does not require any additional pads this keeps support where it is needed and moisture away from the sole and walls. Equicast is a product that can be applied by a veterinarian, blacksmith, owner or trainer.

Lost Shoes, save your old shoes from last shoeing (remove old nails) mark which hoof the shoe goes on and follow the directions for applying cast over shoes.

Custom fit every time.

Each cast moulds to every foot for a perfect fit. No more trying to shape a foot to fit a shoe/boot. And most importantly adding dynamic support gives nature time to heel and grow strong healthy walls. The fact is that, answers to many hoof problems are answered by the laws of physics and common sense. Keeping the answers simple for every-day applications is my goal. When addressing the basics everything else seems to fall in place.