Posted by M. W. Myers, D.V.M. on February 26, 2003 at 20:20:37:
In Reply to: Re: banana shoe/trim? posted by brian robertson on February 25, 2003 at 21:13:59:
: Does anybody know what angle (degrees) the banana is set at? I tried to pin Dr. Redden down on what angle his form (he uses to shape the shoe) is or what the difference in degrees he sets the rocker toe from the posterior portion of the hoof. It looked to me to be about 15 degrees but it's hard to tell without a protractor. I have seen him do one set of shoes with a nice crisp angle at the breakover and another set of shoes with a rather round belly. He didn't really clarify when or where he uses either. Maybe it's part of the evolutionary process of the banana to rock n roll rail shoe.
I doubt the angle is significant. As Phil noted in his post, the horse in question was trail riding with this shoe. I only use this shoe on horses that are not in work. It will enhance sole growth, but I don't think it is intended for a working horse. I don't use much bend. In my hands, the shoe works more like an exaggerated natural balance trim allowing the breakover to move further back than to put rocking chairs on the hoof.
I would say that the less mobile the horse, the more drastic a shoeing package can be applied and the less movement is to be allowed initially. As the horse becomes more mobile, the "belly" is reduced. My personal preference for a working shoe with the most breakover available is the Grand Circuit Treatment shoe.
M. W. Myers, D.V.M.