reillyshoe wrote:
Don't type angry! You mis-spell too much!:D:D

Not angry, driving back from horse show. Keyboard keeps bouncing around.

reillyshoe wrote:
OHHH , , , O.F.K.

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.

This repair extends from the coronet to the ground, and through the fabric in the shoe, extends from the medial heel to the lateral heel. The surface area of this repair is much larger than the Nolan Hoof Plate (which is about an 1 1/4" wide at the heel). The hoof plate certainly would not extend from the coronet to the ground, correct? This is part of the ability to conform to the hoof to which I was referring in my earlier post.

I don't doubt that the Nolan plate is easy and effective in your hands. In my shop, the use of fabrics and acrylics is common and relatively inexpensive. I would also disagree with your assessment of the hoof plate as "mechanically more sound" than the repair I used.

DVM
am not financially compensated at this time although this may change in the near future.

Now how your recon a old country bumpkin like myself was able to figure that one out..
I dang sure aint no Matlock.. But what did stick me funny was that you would push this product in this particular case. As Mr Reilly pointed out.. Excuse me As Pat pointed out the Nolan Hoof plate I feel and I think Pat also feels just would not suffice in this particular case. I have no bones with the hoof plate and I damn sure not going to try to match wits with a DVM but IMHO I think Pat made more than a better choice for his method of repairing this crack on this day…

DVM
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.

No misgivings here I noticed that you do point them out also but when you point these methods out the crime seems to fit the punishment.. As noted above I just plain out don’t think that the hoof plate would be a better choice … I sure hope you don’t think I was challenging you in any way... its just as I have been reading and noted you recommending the hoof plate when it just seemed maybe a better way might work ..thats all nothing more nothing less I hope yall make millions..

But if yall need a advertising agent I sure can think of some better ways. I do charge a nominal fee though. The first place we will start is that frapin $500 dollar clinic to glue on this plate..

i will give this jewel for free....let the product speak for itself

I have had a good bit of experience with the hoof plate from working at the Casey School and FNRC. In seeing both the good and bad of it I would have to agree that Mr. Rileys approach was probably the best.

The only thing I had a question on is the fact that there was infection in the crack and I did not see any opening for that to drain or for medication to be applied. Did you feel that you got most of the infection when you cleaned the crack, or do you not feel like the infection could have migrated around the foot once you had it stabilized.

I am certainly not questioning what you did I was just wandering if that is a possibility.

Thanks, Chad

chad go back and look it over good its hard to see but what you are talking about he did just that Pat will have to explain it

but here is what he said.....................The top and bottom of the repair were left exposed, for treatment/flusing if necessary

Thanks Travis,

I was glancing pretty quickly and just missed that. It is hard to see in the picture.

Chad
Seeing how you are really familiar with the Casey school and all that goes wit it….what all is involved in that 500 dollar coarse.

February 28-Georgia
Shoeing Foundered Horses. How-To apply the Nolan Hoof Plate to relieve the pain. Farriers' National Research Center & School in LaFayette, Georgia.
Farriers $495.00 (includes Introductory kit and DVD $110 value)

Before anyone starts to think I am running the school, class, or the Caseys down I have no intrest in that I am just curious on what all I would get for my $500.00

How long is the class?
Is it one on one ?
If not how many are in the class?
Are horse owners welcome?
I know you get $110 value but whats the other $390.00 go to?

Travis the classes are usually pretty small with maybe 2 or 3 shoers. You will get to apply a plate to a foundered horse and work one on one with Mike as you do so.

I am going to be totally honest with you and say that I am not a fan of these clinics. What I have gathered from them is that you don't trim the foot of a foundered horse you just apply these plates and he will be fine. Mike Nolan came across a great idea by binding the laminae from the top of the foot and not just the bottom. He, in my opinion, should not be doing clinics on founder and laminitis.

These classes really don't go into depth about different pathologies that the plate can be used for. I have stated this several times up there but have seen no change.

I am not trying to discourage this product by any way, but I personally would not spend the money.

Hope this helps, Chad

P.S. where are you located in Alabama

Chad I would like to say I admire the fact that you make no bones about that you like and think Ralph is a good man and you don’t apologize for that… that being said you call it like you see it and don’t apologize for that either. IMHO that is a rare find. I hope you stay on horseshooes.com and if they loose you at the school it will be there lose ...I think you bring a realistic balance to the school…thanks for being up front and honest and I live on the outskirts of Birmingham but do my business in the Birmingham metro area…

The Nolan hoof plate is $40 plus adhesive. Stainless steel mesh is $2 ft., carbon fiber tape $5 yard, plus adhesive. I don't see how this approach is more expensive than applying the Nolan Hoof Plate.

I will concur I could have overstated my case on the plate being a 'better' repair choice as many choices have to do with what has worked for each of us in the past and what we have experience with. However, the use of differing materials in the repair will cause differing forces through the hoof. Just a consideration. I have used this sort of repair as well as DalRic cuffs for attachment of shoes in cases of poor hoof wall integrity and have found, in my hands, the plate to be superior in getting the job done with the most rapid hoof growth, stability of the attached package, and comfort of the hof post application. Just my experience.

I don't do enough of these types of repairs to buy the fabric and other products in bulk, so my estimation of the cost is different than others, so I can see where that may apply.

The training session will likely change for more indepth educational experiences and other uses of the plate. Correct trims will be stressed more in the future. These discussions are presently ongoing so look for some considerable improvements in the near future.

I am also entering into discussions for actual controlled research to be done with the plate for those interested. If it works out, there should be some real data forthcoming on measureable benefits (or not) from its use. It is always good to know a bit more about what a product or device does or does not actually do so a more informed decision can be made for its use in a given situation.

M. W. Myers, D.V.M.

The training session will likely change for more indepth educational experiences and other uses of the plate. Correct trims will be stressed more in the future. These discussions are presently ongoing so look for some considerable improvements in the near future.M.W. Meyers

I am glad that somebody is going to improve this. This product will go by the wayside if something does not change.

I am also entering into discussions for actual controlled research to be done with the plate for those interested. If it works out, there should be some real data forthcoming on measureable benefits (or not) from its use. It is always good to know a bit more about what a product or device does or does not actually do so a more informed decision can be made for its use in a given situation.M.W. Meyers
There has been some field research, but it is not very well documented. It needs to be more controlled and indepth on what the device actually does in certain situations. I will agree with you on the rapid hoof growth, I think people would be amazed at what it does.