Product Innovations

Is nothing new about them. They come around about every 20 years or so. Hate to throw cold water on what you want to do but their unsuitable for most uses. Their slippery on grass they cover up a foot making it impossible for the handler to practice proper hoof hygiene. They tend to shift around on the foot a lot eventually wreaking havoc on hoof quality leading to collapsed walls and quarters.

Whenever these things have come on the market before they have fallen by the wayside just as fast. For horseshoers out there having their arms twisted into using these things I'll say buy a pair at a time as needed. DON"T stock up on them or you'll wind up with them sitting in your truck taking up room till you retire.

What I suggest though is trying continental europe. judging by the articles in European Farriers Journal magazine they seem to be obsessed with stuff like that over there.

George Geist

In continental Europe you MUST go to the farrier school, in some countries 4 years before to be a legal farrier, in other countries 2 years and there are others, like USA, you can obtain your farrier job without any school. So, please put your mind running before writing.

The polyurethane shoes are perfect for some activities and don't work for others. The main problem is pricing, if they were priced like normal iron shoes I'm sure they will be used in big quantities. Sorry for my English level.

Mary I have been working with NOVIBE for the past year in the R&D of their new Polymer Shoes. I will agree with Goerge in the fact that they are not for every horse or type of riding. I have had very good results with them on sore footed, and certain lameness issues but dont recomend them on every horse. To give you the stats I have apply 212 pair in open and bar plus wedge applications. Chris whoa there it takes alot more skill to shape a polymer shoe then it does steel or aluminum the process takes far more skill trust me you dont cut them you have to heat and shape but cant act like a caveman. As far as being called a rookie or whimp I will bang steel with the best of them. I took it as an honor to be asked to test this product along with 6 of the best in the country was your name on the list. So Mary if you have a product that could make my job easier and in more of a demand please email me I will give you the time.

Jimmy

Hi Mary,

I have had a little experience with 'Easywalker' horse shoes. I found them useful for some concussive injuries primarily. I also have had a few clients request them for their youngsters on the front end in order to 'lift up' their withers as at this stage they are higher in the back end and these competitors are looking for a straighter topline. (hardly therapeutic)

Like others have said, cost is definitely an issue. Hard to justify. I also have found that although they don't wear out quickly, they can only maybe be reset once as the nail holes get too big to nail securely. there is also a major problem with supply. The main supply houses in our area don't carry them so you must go further afield which makes it inconvenient. I certainly don't mind using them on some horses and still cary a few pair in my truck.

I would certainly not mind evaluating a new polyurethane shoe if one were available.

Just my two cents worth.

Hello Everyone,

My name is Sylvia Norris and I am manufacturing and testing polyurethane horseshoes. They are made in the USA, material and labor both. I worked with a few local farriers and an engineer and I used some common sense in my design. I am looking for farriers to accept free of charge a pair of shoes for testing. I give you the product and ship it to you free - you give me your honest opinion - nothing more. I won't stalk anyone and other than answering about 10 questions I have asked everyone who receives the shoes, that is all there is too it. I have done research on these shoes, but real life does not always fit the stuff you find in books. I know too that no one product fits every end user - whether that be the horse, the farrier or the owner. My horse wore another maker's shoes and I have purchased other polyurethane or polymer shoes and I made some changes. I believe mine are better in design - but I am not a farrier so I want honest real life comments from the people who use these products the professionals -farriers. (All comments are accepted - the good, bad and in between!) I have sent my shoes to farriers in Florida and one in Canada. I have a horse shoe school who has agreed to take some as well and my local barn has them on about 6 horses. If anyone is interested, let me know. I have 00,0 and 1 right now. I have clear and also I am making colorized "hoofwear" as I call it (pink, lime green, orange,etc) You can go to my website and read what I have written about my shoes. I have retained a patent attorney and trademark attorney - but that legal mumbo jumbo doesn't mean squat if I don't have a really good product, which is what I care about. I think I do - but I would truly appreciate any input whatsoever. My website is www.happyhoofwear.com. Sincere thanks, Sylvia