I have been using hoof plates a few years now and have been quite impressed with the results. I have been assisting Mike with the plates for about two years and am not financially compensated at this time although this may change in the near future. I find it curious that I also tout Natural Balance, Redden protocols, and the occasional Ramey trim and no one seems to have any misgivings. I only bring it up because it does have excellent results in my hands and I do believe it to be quite beneficial.
That said, I do understand the statement that the mechanics of this repair and the hoof plate are different and I do agree. However, the distribution of the repair over a larger area of hoof wall I do feel is more beneficial than the previous repairs that have been done with other materials. One repairs bone fractures with as much bone on either side of the fracture as possible, so this is similar. I have seen serious cracks that have left horses three legged lame (virtually carrying the limb) repaired with the plate and left the application and headed back out to work. Also, the plate has Equilox or Adhere applied under and over it so it does conform exactly to the hoof. A simple misunderstanding of the application process.
I also understand the concern of taking a course on applying a device, but my above statement shows one advantage of this course. It also delves into the theory of its application and development and is not just a simple matter of nailing on a plate of steel across a hoof. One can certainly learn how to do it remotely without the cost, but one can also do that for every AFA convention and other seminars that are delivered, but that really does not replace the opportunity to get wiht the developer of the device and play devil's advocate and get every question answered especially those you hadn't considered until you got there and got started.
M. W. Myers, D.V.M.