Equi-Pak or Sil-Pak?

[McKathan Farrier Services]

I am about to order some supplies and I have a limited amount that I can spend on them. So I was wondering weather I would be better off buying some Equi-Pak or Sil-Pak for putting under pads? Thanks

[Ray_Knightley]

I am about to order some supplies and I have a limited amount that I can spend on them. So I was wondering weather I would be better off buying some Equi-Pak or Sil-Pak for putting under pads? Thanks

If those are the ones you are going to use under a pad ..
I would go for the sil-pac ...for a very soft filling ...

If you are looking for support with or without a pad then equi-pac...

Be careful with equi-pac as it is hard and in some cases this can be too much nipping the frog ,the growth under a pad can become unwanted pressure .

I my self buy one dental IM for general .and for weight by some gaited horses such as islantics.

Then Two pacs equi-pac to four sil-pac ....about every month and a half..

Also Hemp (plummers angel hair)mixed with wood tar ...works great under pads when WLD.or thrush are about ,but not in real bad cases there the owners must clean up before pads go on..

[westtxshoer]

I have recently learned the benefits of sil-pak under pads. I like it. Easy to apply, relatively inexpensive and really gets into every crevice. It's also easy to remove.

Equi-pak I have yet to use extensively. But, I can see the benefits of the support it provides.

[McKathan Farrier Services]

thanks for the info i appreciate it

[LarkinGreene]

Good comments guys - bottom line....SilPak is soft and flows in everywhere to keep sand/debris out and provide some cushion....but it's too soft for actual support. EquiPak is much better for support....even though it's not purple.

-Larkin

[mmhorseshoeing]

In using any packing it needs to be the correct packing for the needs of the particular job sil-pak will not stick to the hoof or pad and in time will allow sand and dirt between the hood and pad. It (sil-pak) is very soft and sets up slow and if you don't hold the hoof up it can run out the back of the pad. or you can place a duct tape at the back of the hoof to help keep it in.
Equi-pak can be used under pads or as a pad by its self with the help of mesh. You need to remember that equi-pak will continue to harden threw out the shoeing cycle and if horses are prone to sore soles a 4 week interval shoeing is best. Pine tar and oakum if used properly is a great packing but adds no support. Hope this helps;)

[McKathan Farrier Services]

thanks for the posts very helpfull