Supportive Pads and Wedges
What are they?
Supportive pads and wedges are tools farriers use to provide extra comfort, protection, and corrective support to a horse’s hoof and lower limb. They are vital tools in both performance optimization and therapeutic treatment, helping to improve comfort, movement, and long-term soundness.
What is the difference?
Supportive Pads
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What they are: Flexible or firm materials (rubber, leather, plastic, or polyurethane) placed between the hoof and the shoe.
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Purpose:
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Cushion the sole
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Absorb shock
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Protect sensitive areas like the frog or sole
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Distribute pressure evenly
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Why they're necessary: Pads are often used for horses with thin soles, bruising, arthritis, or recovering from laminitis. They help prevent concussion-related lameness and are commonly used for horses working on hard or rocky surfaces.
Wedges
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What they are: Pads or shoes with an elevated heel section.
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Purpose:
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Adjust the hoof-pastern axis
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Correct low or collapsed heels
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Relieve strain on tendons and ligaments, particularly the deep digital flexor tendon
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Why they're necessary: Wedges are helpful in managing conditions like navicular syndrome, broken-back hoof angles, or when rehabilitating limb or hoof imbalances.