The Natural Balance Shoe (NBS) addresses the biomechanical needs of the equine foot for support and protection in a domestic environment This shoe offers the horse the most natural foundation for optimal performance with minimal stress. The patented NBS design, along with a few suggested hoof preparation guidelines, will help to properly orient the shoe to the coffin bone as well as prevent hoof capsule distortion. Displacement of P3 within the hoof capsule will not occur when the hoof preparation and shoe placement directions are followed and those feet that are previously distorted usually regain their natural shape.Special Design Features of the Aluminum Shoes
The Aluminum Natural Balance Shoeis a wide-web, rolled toe shoe which offers maximum support to the hoof The toe area on the foot side is seated out to eliminate sole contact beneath the tip of P-3. The toe portion of the shoe is reinforced and offers greater mass which means more material for wear There is no wear plate in the shoe, therefore the toe can wear back as the foot grows in length. This allows the foot to stay in "Natural Balance" for a longer period of time until the reset. This sets the aluminum NBS aside from any steel shoe. The steep shoulders of the shoe between the heels help to hold ground material in this region to provide caudal support to the frog and digital cushion.
This shoe is made of a forged aluminum alloy that is heat treated for added hardness This combination offers a light, yet durable shoe for optimal performance.
Special Design Features of the Steel Shoes
The Steel Natural Balance Shoe is a wide-web, rolled toe shoe which offers maximum support to the hoof The toe area on the foot side is seated out to eliminate sole contact beneath the tip of P-3. The toe portion also has greater mass which means more material for wear. The rim-shoe design helps to improve traction and will still allow the toe to wear back some as the foot grows longer. This will help maintain optimal P-3 and hoof wall orientation through a longer shoeing period.
The primary and secondary nail holes offer more options when nailing to poor quality feet. By having multiple nail hole choices, farriers can individualize left and Tight nailing patterns.
The forged steel, rim-shoe design helps to minimize the weight; yet offers durability for long Luting wear and better performance.
Possible Uses
The Aluminum and Steel NBS are used for a wide variety of disciplines ranging from hunter & jumpers to gaming & speed event horses. The aluminum NBS have been used with success for training on the race track, and the steel have shown improved shoe wear and less fatigue and interference on endurance rides. Lastly, when used in conjunction with a pad, frog insert and sole support impression material, minor chronic lameness problems can be treated.