This exclusive series of American Farriers Journal reviews by Bob Smith will help you select the latest videos on shoeing techniques, hoof care ideas and new products.

These reviews give insight into videos worth viewing in two categories: professional farrier category for those wishing to learn more about shoeing ideas, and the horse owner category for those wanting to better understand corrective shoeing ideas.

EDSS Styrofoam Support Block System (Four Stars)

By Gene Ovnicek. Produced by Equine Digit Support System, Inc. (EDSS), 506 Hwy. 115, Penrose, CO 81240. Phone: (719) 372-7463. Fax: (719) 372-7272. E-mail: edss@ris.net. Web site: www.hopeforsoundness.com. Approximately 40 minutes. $15 plus $3.50 shipping and handling.

This instructional video is made for both the professional farrier and the horse owner or caretaker who must administer first aid treatment to a horse with acute laminitis or lower limb pain.

Ovnicek gives clear and simple step-by-step instructions on the application of his 2-inch Styrofoam blocks.

The first block is secured to the foot with duct tape and the horse is allowed to bear weight, compressing the block and leaving an impression of his foot. You are shown how to test the foot looking for sore spots, which determine where you trim the Styrofoam impression to relieve pressure.

Ovnicek then explains how to reapply the original impression block after modification and how to apply the secondary block. A discussion and demonstration follows on how to “de-rotate” the secondary block and reapply it to the foot.

The essence of this…