08/13/2025
LUNA's first set of front shoes. This video is an explanation of why I'm using shoes on my 6-year-old mare for the first time. Basically, I've been working her 4 to 6 days per week. This summer season in Colorado has been very hot and dry and the ground bearing strength is high and very hard. I feel these front shoes should provide her with more comfort.
Thing to look at on her hoof:
1. The center of area of the sole of the hoof and the coffin joint are in alignment (balance state).
2. The frog is wide, this indicates that she has a good functioning digital cushion.
3. I'm using a Center Fit Natural Balance shoe. Please note that since her hooves are balanced and round that I do not need to shape the shoe. I pull it off of the rack and tack it onto the bottom of her hoof. Thus, no man made distortion to her naturally, self maintaining hoof.
4. She walks off with a slight heel first landing, her pastern bones and coffin bone are in alignment. This indicate again, that she has a strong, healthy functioning digital cushion. This is providing maximum support to the bone structure above, shock absorption with first contact with the ground, and good circulation to the lower limb.
