First of all, the shoe shown here equipped with a number of accessories isn’t going to revolutionize shoeing. But its introduction demonstrates that there’s plenty of creative thinking that could impact the way you shoe in the future.

With this template shoe, a single shoe can be used in 18 variations to meet therapeutic or corrective needs. These shoes come with built-in and detachable bars, extensions, support and other items to handle practically any shoeing need.

The aluminum alloy drop-forged shoes from Brooks Lane Smithy Ltd., in England were unveiled to the North American market during last winter’s American Farrier’s Association (AFA) annual convention in California.

Designed by British farriers Anne Claxton and Mark Caldwell, the lightweight shoes are available in sizes 2 to 6.

A Niche Market

“We don’t believe the market for this shoe is huge,” says Caldwell. “But this product could be a ‘must carry’ item for the professional farrier whose practice is Thoroughbreds, hunters, jumpers, Arabians and so forth. The versatility of this product allows the skilled professional to quickly and economically select the appropriate treatment for various hoof and limb lameness conditions.”

Caldwell says most therapeutic shoes can be formed easily by removing excess material from the template. This is often easier than fabricating add-on extensions or hand forging a particular shoe.

He says the reaction to these shoes among farriers has been positive. “It takes a few applications before the average user becomes used to removing the excess extensions, but most people like it…