Glushu; Now Barefoot or Nailed-On Shoes Aren't Your Only Hoof Care Options
An aluminum glue-on shoe with a flexible cuff for perfect protection,
comfort, and freedom
We've all been there--caught between those who insist that horses that are ridden must be shod and those who insist that going barefoot is better for your horse.
Pete Ramey, author of Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot and Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You describes the controversy this way: "There was a time when I thought all riding horses should be shod. There was also a time when I thought all horses should be bare. As with most arguments, the truth lies somewhere in between. Generally speaking, metal shoes are very good at masking problems and can be somewhat effective for healing some problems. In contrast, barefoot trimming is not so good at masking problems, but vastly superior for healing them."
Pete Ramey, author of Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot and Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You describes the controversy this way: "There was a time when I thought all riding horses should be shod. There was also a time when I thought all horses should be bare. As with most arguments, the truth lies somewhere in between. Generally speaking, metal shoes are very good at masking problems and can be somewhat effective for healing some problems. In contrast, barefoot trimming is not so good at masking problems, but vastly superior for healing them."
What is barefoot trimming?
In a barefoot trim (shown left), the hoof is levelled to the live sole, the heels are lowered, the toe bevelled, and the wall is rounded. The sole, frog, and bars are left intact. Like thousands of other equestrians, US dressage competitor and trainer Shannon Peters insists on barefoot trims for her horses and those of her husband Stefan Peters.
Photo Credit: https://www.thehorseshoof.com/HHO.html
In a barefoot trim (shown left), the hoof is levelled to the live sole, the heels are lowered, the toe bevelled, and the wall is rounded. The sole, frog, and bars are left intact. Like thousands of other equestrians, US dressage competitor and trainer Shannon Peters insists on barefoot trims for her horses and those of her husband Stefan Peters.
Photo Credit: https://www.thehorseshoof.com/HHO.html
The 'pasture trim'
In a "pasture trim" (also known as a "farrier trim", shown left) the hoof wall is nipped away from the bottom of the foot, the frog and sole are trimmed, and the hoof is rasped to flatten it. This prepares the hoof to receive a nailed-on shoe. It is the way horses hooves traditionally have been trimmed and shod.
Photo Credit: http://s904.photobucket.com/user/almostmozart/media/Forum%20Illustrations/6-5.jpg.html
In a "pasture trim" (also known as a "farrier trim", shown left) the hoof wall is nipped away from the bottom of the foot, the frog and sole are trimmed, and the hoof is rasped to flatten it. This prepares the hoof to receive a nailed-on shoe. It is the way horses hooves traditionally have been trimmed and shod.
Photo Credit: http://s904.photobucket.com/user/almostmozart/media/Forum%20Illustrations/6-5.jpg.html
Barefoot trimming can help keep a horse sound.
Barefoot trimming can indeed work wonders to heal lameness and keep a horse sound. But you can't just pull your horse's shoes, do a barefoot trim, and assume all will be well. Why? Because it takes time for the hoof to grow out and heel properly.
In a recent study published by the Australian Veterinary Journal, Dr. Hilary Clayton (the expert on barefoot riding and horse biomechanics) measured the impact of barefoot trimming principles on seven Arabian horses with under-run heels. But it took four months of conscientious trimming to reshape the horses’ hooves, and then an additional twelve months for the hoof to grow and stabilize.
This means your horse will benefit for some support while transitioning to barefoot. But more importantly, as Pete Ramey points out, even barefoot enthusiasts agree that some horses need a bit more protection. Fortunately, there is a third option for horse owners that allows the freedom and flexibility of barefoot riding with the protection that horse shoes can provide.
GLUSHU is an aluminum shoe that is molded over with a flexible cuff. This gives the horse a light cushioned shoe that eliminates any stress or damage to the horse's hoof. Because GLUSHUS are non invasive, they completely eliminate the risk of hoof injury due to nailing. And they are easy to apply.
The Glushu site lists numerous testimonials from horse owners who are delighted with this alternative way of protecting their horse's feet. Horse owner Kim McMillan describes here experience with Glushu:
“I have owned Mr Snip three years I have never been able to hack him out more than once a week and even then I had to be very careful where I took him!! Mr Snip has very sensitive feet and cannot go barefoot so he has been wearing traditional nailed on shoes. Unfortunately Mr Snip hates being nailed and would often need to be sedated in order to get his shoes fitted. The whole experience could be very upsetting for both Mr Snip and myself.
I found out about Glushu glue on horse shoes and thought they would be the perfect solution to our shoeing woes. I have to say Glushu are THE BUSINESS! Glushu can be fitted in just 5 minutes and are completely non invasive I am so happy with Mr Snip GluShu's I salute you!! I've been able to hack out day after day over rough terrain roads and tracks he had stayed sound. The bonus is 8 weeks later they are still on, no hoof damage, no nail holes and no sedation bills can you tell I'm Happy happy happy!!"
More information about Glushu can be found at www.glushu.com.
Happy Riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD May 14, 2016; Updated May 26, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
As long as you're here, check these out:
Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better!
How to Tell If Your Horse Is Lame
Barefoot trimming can indeed work wonders to heal lameness and keep a horse sound. But you can't just pull your horse's shoes, do a barefoot trim, and assume all will be well. Why? Because it takes time for the hoof to grow out and heel properly.
In a recent study published by the Australian Veterinary Journal, Dr. Hilary Clayton (the expert on barefoot riding and horse biomechanics) measured the impact of barefoot trimming principles on seven Arabian horses with under-run heels. But it took four months of conscientious trimming to reshape the horses’ hooves, and then an additional twelve months for the hoof to grow and stabilize.
This means your horse will benefit for some support while transitioning to barefoot. But more importantly, as Pete Ramey points out, even barefoot enthusiasts agree that some horses need a bit more protection. Fortunately, there is a third option for horse owners that allows the freedom and flexibility of barefoot riding with the protection that horse shoes can provide.
GLUSHU is an aluminum shoe that is molded over with a flexible cuff. This gives the horse a light cushioned shoe that eliminates any stress or damage to the horse's hoof. Because GLUSHUS are non invasive, they completely eliminate the risk of hoof injury due to nailing. And they are easy to apply.
The Glushu site lists numerous testimonials from horse owners who are delighted with this alternative way of protecting their horse's feet. Horse owner Kim McMillan describes here experience with Glushu:
“I have owned Mr Snip three years I have never been able to hack him out more than once a week and even then I had to be very careful where I took him!! Mr Snip has very sensitive feet and cannot go barefoot so he has been wearing traditional nailed on shoes. Unfortunately Mr Snip hates being nailed and would often need to be sedated in order to get his shoes fitted. The whole experience could be very upsetting for both Mr Snip and myself.
I found out about Glushu glue on horse shoes and thought they would be the perfect solution to our shoeing woes. I have to say Glushu are THE BUSINESS! Glushu can be fitted in just 5 minutes and are completely non invasive I am so happy with Mr Snip GluShu's I salute you!! I've been able to hack out day after day over rough terrain roads and tracks he had stayed sound. The bonus is 8 weeks later they are still on, no hoof damage, no nail holes and no sedation bills can you tell I'm Happy happy happy!!"
More information about Glushu can be found at www.glushu.com.
Happy Riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD May 14, 2016; Updated May 26, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
As long as you're here, check these out:
Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better!
How to Tell If Your Horse Is Lame
