If your horse wears shoes, your farrier or veterinarian may have recommended hoof pads at some point.
Hoof pads protect sensitive parts of the hoof, are therapeutic in certain lameness diagnoses, and enhance a horse’s comfort.
Pads are also helpful on shod horses in snowy climates. They prevent snow and ice buildup under hooves, allowing horses to move about safely.
Using hoof pads helps improve hoof function by distributing pressure evenly, aiding shock absorption, and reducing impact-related injuries. Understanding how hoof pads work, the materials they’re made of, and their role in horse hoof care is discussed below.
Whether your horse wears pads or not, getting familiar with the structure and problems associated with the horse’s hoof is valuable for any horseperson, so let’s get started!
A Brief Overview of Hoof Anatomy
The horse’s hoof is made up of several structures that are sensitive to pressure and impact.
The horse’s weight is distributed across the hoof capsule, which includes the hoof wall, sole, frog, coffin bone, and bulbs of the heels.
The hoof wall begins at the coronary band at the top of the hoof. When you look at a horse’s foot, the hard covering surrounding it is the hoof wall.
The frog and sole, visible when you pick up the foot, are sensitive and vulnerable to damage. Enclosed inside the hoof capsule is the coffin bone. Its triangular shape provides a framework for the shape of the hoof capsule.
Hoof pads help reduce the strain on the hoof capsule by creating a cushion between the shoe and the hoof, thus reducing the risk of bruising and providing extra protection.
The Purpose of Hoof Pads
Hoof pads provide an additional barrier between a horse’s shoe and the bottom of its hoof. Some pads fully cover the soles of the hoof. Other pads, such as a rim pad, only cover a portion.
Pads provide extra protection and comfort to horse hooves, particularly horses with hoof problems, such as thin soles or weak frogs.
Pads can significantly improve a horse’s well-being, especially in cases where they suffer from conditions like navicular disease or acute laminitis.
Hoof pads are also a temporary fix in emergencies, such as when a horse throws a shoe or if a horse abscesses and needs short-term protection during the healing process.
Types of Hoof Pads
Several types of hoof pads are designed to serve specific purposes, depending on the horse’s needs and activity levels. Common types of pads include:
- Soft pads provide shock absorption for sensitive soles and weak frogs. These are particularly beneficial for navicular horses and those with hoof problems.
- Gel pads offer superior shock absorption and help reduce the impact on the coffin bone and hoof capsule.
- Foam pads support and protect horses with thin soles or laminitis.
- Leather pads help maintain hoof function while offering sole support and are durable and breathable.
- Pour-in pads enable custom-fit for horses requiring additional cushioning and sole protection.
- Frog Pads support weak or injured frogs.
For barefoot horses or those transitioning from shoes to hoof boots, easycare comfort pads are an ideal solution. These pads fit inside hoof boots and ensure extra protection during the transition.
Decisions concerning the best type of hoof pad for your horse should always include input from your farrier and veterinarian.
Reference Table: Types of Hoof Pads and Benefits
Type of Hoof Pad | Key Benefit | Best For |
Soft Pads | Shock absorption | Sensitive soles, weak frogs |
Gel Pads | High shock absorption | Horses on hard surfaces |
Foam Pads | Cushion and solar support | Horses with thin soles, laminitic horses |
Leather Pads | Durable and breathable | General use, breathable protection |
Pour-in Pads | Custom-fit | Horses needing customized sole protection |
Frog Pads | Frog support | Horses with frog issues or weak frogs |
Benefits of Hoof Pads for Shod Horses
Hoof pads benefit shod horses significantly, primarily through shock absorption and pressure relief. By cushioning the horse’s hoof and providing internal support, pads prevent issues like bruising and hoof problems caused by hard or uneven surfaces.
The most notable benefits include:
- Shock absorption: Pads, particularly foam and gel pads, help absorb the shock from walking or running on hard surfaces, protecting the sensitive coffin bone and hoof capsule.
- Pressure distribution: Pads help evenly distribute the horse’s weight across the hoof capsule, reducing the risk of injury.
- Injury prevention: For horses with thin soles or weak frogs, pads protect against bruises and hoof pathologies like acute laminitis.
- Increased comfort: Horses, especially those with conditions like navicular disease, benefit from comfort pads, which reduce pain and improve movement.
- Temporary emergency solution: When a horse loses a shoe, protecting the bare foot is vital until the farrier arrives. Likewise, if you have to pull a shoe due to an abscess or other injury, ThinLine’s Horse Hoof Protection Pads are an excellent remedy for these unexpected situations.
Sold in pairs, the pads are made of ThinLine performance foam and are antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth. Trimmable to fit your horse’s hoof, place them inside a hoof boot or duct tape onto your horse’s hoof for instant protection and cushioning.
Fitting and Placement of Hoof Pads
Proper fitting of hoof pads is necessary for maximizing comfort and preventing issues such as hoof pressure or pad displacement. Farriers must ensure that the pads are securely placed between the horse’s foot and the shoe and that the pad material is appropriate for the horse’s needs.
A well-fitted hoof pad ensures boots fit snugly and provides sole support without causing friction or discomfort. For some horses, narrow boots may be required to accommodate both the shoe and the pad. Frog pads are also commonly used to support the frog and improve overall hoof function.
If not fitted correctly, hoof pads can cause hoof walls to wear unevenly, leading to hoof problems.
Common Issues with Hoof Pads
While hoof pads provide many benefits, there are potential issues associated with their use. Improperly fitted pads or poor-quality pad materials can cause pressure sores, hoof wall damage, or even exacerbate existing hoof pathologies. Some common issues include:
- Pressure sores: If the pad does not distribute pressure evenly, it can lead to sores on the hoof wall or frog.
- Trapped moisture: Certain pad materials, especially soft pads, can trap moisture between the hoof capsule and the pad, leading to bacterial infections or hoof problems.
- Pad displacement: If the pad shifts during activity, it can cause discomfort or hinder the horse’s natural movement.
- Wear and tear: Hoof pads, especially foam pads, are prone to wear over time, necessitating frequent replacement to maintain optimal protection.
- Overuse: Prolonged use of hoof pads without breaks can weaken the hoof walls, affecting the horse’s long-term hoof health.
Scheduling regular appointments with your farrier can help prevent these problems from arising.
Final Notes
Hoof pads can be essential in maintaining the health and comfort of shod horses, especially those with conditions such as laminitis or navicular disease.
In particular, ThinLine’s Horse Hoof Protection Pads can help ease the discomfort associated with these two conditions, as well as arthritis-related symptoms.
By providing shock absorption, pressure relief, and additional protection for the hoof capsule, pads help prevent injuries and improve overall hoof function. With proper fitting and regular care, horse owners can ensure their horses remain comfortable and perform at their best, whether in competition or leisure activities.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we’re asked about hoof pads.
How do hoof pads help shod horses?
Hoof pads provide shock absorption and pressure relief for shod horses. They reduce the impact from hard surfaces and uneven terrain by cushioning the hoof wall and sensitive structures like the frog and sole. This improves overall hoof function, helping to prevent injuries and enhance the horse’s comfort, especially for horses with thin soles or conditions like navicular disease.
What types of hoof pads are best for sensitive hooves?
Soft, foam, and gel pads are the most effective for horses with sensitive hooves. These pads offer maximum shock absorption and help protect structures such as the coffin bone and frog by evenly distributing the horse’s weight and relieving pressure points.
How often should hoof pads be replaced?
Hoof pads should generally be replaced every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the horse’s activity level and the pad material. Check pads regularly to ensure their integrity, and periodic farrier visits will help prevent wear-related issues such as pad displacement or hoof wall damage.