Was wondering what kind of impression material you guys use under pads. I have only used equipack and do not use pads very often. Was wanting to know the pros and cons of the different materials out there.

Thanks Justin

I only use IM on the very patient horses, or horses that are veterinary patients. If I am working with a lameness case I use the IM because I can control whats loaded and what isn't. I still fumble around a lot with IM and the boards etc... Equipack is a little more money, but it's a hell of a lot easier, and why I use on more of a day to day basis.

Oh, and I use the pink EDSS IM. It's the only one I've ever used.

Silpack is essentially an IM material. Its half the cost of equipack, comes in the same type of tube. I works great under pads.

SilPac has a much lower durometer than EquiPAc ,(softer), so you have to be sure that the material you chose to use has the degree of firmness that you want. The blue impression material is softer than the pink stuff.I think the blue is around 40 durometers and the pink around 60.

I would like to see this thread get a little more input. Equipak is still too expensive for many ranch horse owners.

The thread "IM vs Silicone" discusses mixing silicone w/ betadine or body filler hardener to acquire similar,cost effective results as IM material under pads.W/o pads,Equi-pack is most cost effective I know of.

Clint

Epona Shoes makes a great IM that is just the right density for those horses that need extra digital cushion or sole protection.

It's a little cheaper than Gene's stuff and is easy to use.

Also their antibacterial granules are great to prevent any thrush or other gunk that might build up under the pad.

Easy to use too.

Kim what does the epona material cost? The EDSS material used to be the least expensive unless the retailer was marking it up excessively or the buyer was paying special shipping.
As well the EDSS comes in three different hardness's.

I suppose the Epona and EDSS materials are less expensive than I thought if one pound can pack 4-6 feet. The Epona is just a little cheaper where I find it. I do not find much on a search for Silpack.

Silpac is softer than equipac, but its still great for under pads. I even use it on laminitic horses with good results.

westtxshoer wrote:
I did 12 feet with 2lbs, also today, reused the sole packing from the previous shoeing Sweet!

irishcas wrote:
Kim, your shoeing horses now?

One way to save $$ and still get frog support is to pack only the back of the foot, (from just behind the frog apex) with IM and fill the front half with soft filler such as Hawthornes ,Forshners, or Magic Cushion.