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Having previously been dismissed except for remedial purposes, plastic and glue-on shoes have undergone a revolution and they are now mounting a major assault on the market.
Farrier Simon Moore, who has experience fitting both conventional and other types of shoe, says: “Previous attempts at manufacturing plastic and glue-on shoes have been hindered because the materials and adhesives used have not been strong enough.
“But now that both have evolved and become stronger and more malleable, they have become a viable option for competition animals.”
Pros:
• Lighter than metal
• Good for horses with sensitive feet as they are designed to be remedial
• Often harder wearing, so horses can go for longer between being shod
Cons:
• Considerably more expensive than traditional shoes
• Can be harder to keep on
• Aesthetically less attractive due to the white adhesive used
For the full article on non-metal shoes, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (20 August, ’09)
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