HSP (Hoof Support Patch)

VetCell's HSP Hoof Support Patch is a resin/carbon fibre composite sheet that increases the bending strength of the equine hoof wall and thereby helps to prevent heel collapse and deformation. Racehorse Chancellor had problematic heels that were causing him to run badly. With VetCell's HSP fitted he returned to top form and both his trainer and jockey were thrilled with the difference. You can read more about his story here. For HSP fitting instructions click here.

"I thought you might be interested in the results I have had, using your hoof supports. I own a 16.2hh TB that I bought as a first horse for my daughter 5 years ago. Admittedly he had very flat feet but as he was obviously badly in need of shoeing I assumed that good regular shoeing would sort them out. He was very often lame, normally because of corns but worried there might be a more sinister reason I had him x-rayed and when nothing showed, egg bars were fitted to try and help, to no avail.

I was then recommended your hoof supports and although I was unsure, when they were fully explained and I heard about the effect it had on the tubules in the foot I thought it would be worth a try. I have been using them for approximately two years and there have been significant changes. The initial support they gave, meant enough growth in the foot to allow us to work him without the constant refitting of lost shoes and severe bruising. We were then able to remove the shoes for 2 1/2 months to harden and shape the foot. We have had only one small corn since using them and this was easily removed and the shoes replaced immediately.

His heels were so flat there was no daylight between them and the ground. You can now get your finger beneath. He is now in full work, fitter and sounder than he has ever been, been hunted, done all Pony Club activities and has been selected for the Area Horse Trials where he will be competing in the Open. I am over the moon I tried them as I am convinced that without them a very talented TB with a delightful temperament would have been consigned to the scrap heap because of his feet."

Mandy Beckwith

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HSP...

• Reduces proximo-distal hoof deformation
• Has a protective effect on the vascular supply to the heel
• Does not restrict physiological heel expansion
• Is attached to the hoof wall using standard farriery adhesives
• Is replaced at each shoeing
  
  

Collapsed/Under-run Heels

The collapsed or under-run heel is one of the most important and common foot abnormalities facing the horse industry, reportedly affecting over 52% of performance horses. It is a major concern to both veterinary surgeons and farriers. Collapsed heels are believed to contribute to many foot related problems such as navicular syndrome, chronic heel pain (bruising), DIP joint (coffin joint) synovitis, quarter and heel cracks, and interference problems.

Many factors may influence the development of collapsed heels but as the heels become low increased forces are applied to the hoof wall, the horn tubules at the heels bend until they reach the point where they are unable to support the weight and they begin to thin, separate, collapse and roll underneath the foot.

HSP Hoof Support Patch
The HSP, which was designed by farriers and the locomotor research group at the Royal Veterinary College, is a device that increases the bending strength of the equine hoof wall and thereby helps to prevent collapse and deformation. (See image below showing the carbon fibre HSP before fitting).

When the hoof wall bends the HSP becomes loaded in tension and the hoof wall becomes loaded in compression (which it is more able to resist). This provides the heels with protection against collapse without restricting physiological heel expansion. This reduction in compression is also believed to have a protective effect on circulation in the navicular area.

A HSP is bonded, using standard farriery adhesives, to the hoof wall on each side of the heel following basic preparation. VetCell recommend using Jameg Shoe Glu available from www.jameghorseshoes.com. The HSP is removed with a light rasp and a new set of HSPs should be fitted at each shoeing. For full fitting instructions please click here.

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