American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
The Benefits of Pads and Packing in the Show Horse Ring
Equine athletes compete more and at a higher level with sound choices
Farrier Takeaways
- Rim, full and V pads are integral tools for show horse farriers to help mitigate traction and concussion-related problems in the equine distal limb.
- While plastic pads are helpful for many horses, they hold moisture against the foot, which aggravates a problem that’s created by multiple baths during the course of each day.
- The choice of packing material is critical for preventing dirt and debris from collecting under the pad and creating sole pressure that can lead to a lameness and prevent a horse from showing.
- Drying the hoof with a MAPP torch or hot plate can encourage a secure bond with urethane packing while also killing harmful bacteria.
A show horse farrier’s job is to keep the athlete sound and in the ring. The hard truth of it is that if the farrier can’t keep the horse sound and showing, the client will replace them with someone who can.
Coshocton, Ohio, and Wellington, Fla., farrier Dave Farley has been shoeing equine athletes for more than 4 decades and strives to do his part so the horse can perform at a high level. A big part of keeping these athletes going is understanding the show ring footing and applying a shoeing package that benefits the horse.
“One of the big secrets to keeping these horses sound is to keep them up out of the surface,” says the 2008 International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame inductee. “So, we use 10 mm thick shoes and quite a bit of rim pads…
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American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Videos
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Events
Anatomy, Trimming and Hoof Protection
Date: 06/20/26
Location: Quincy, CA
View Event
Top Directory Listings
Doc Foal's | The Black Pads
At Doc Foal's, we manufacture The Black Pads and The Black Pads PLUS (featuring embedded magnets and copper). Our hybrid pads work seamlessly with your choice of conventional horseshoe, combining metal for structure with polyurethane for exceptional comfort and shock absorption.
Designed as a...
Sunrise Farrier Supply
We are here to support you.
We stock a wide range of high-quality products from trusted brands to ensure durability, performance, and reliability in every job you undertake. Our extensive inventory of horseshoe products and farrier tools means you can find everything you need in one place, saving you time and effort. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, prompt shipping, and hassle-free returns.
Equilox International
Equilox International Inc. specializes in equine horse hoof adhesives. Developed in 1988 after many trials and extensive research at leading universities and equine centers throughout the U.S., the Equilox Adhesive Hoof Repair System was originally used to treat competitive horses. Now, Equilox Adhesive is used by farriers, equine centers, and horse owners — as well as various zoo and wildlife centers — throughout the world.