Steve Samet with Daniel Montoya

The main purpose of capping the hoof with Acrylic Hoof Clear is so that the hoofcapsule will hold its shape after trimming.  Capping the hoof also assists in aiding dry hoof tubulars byholding moisture in the hoof.  Onthe other hand capping the hoof also can aid in keeping moisture away from thehoof by acting as a shield against the elements.  This procedure may be performed by a veterinarian, farrier,or horse owner, and should be used as part of a hoof maintenance program incertain situations.

Cappingthe hoof with Acrylic Hoof Clear will greatly facilitate correction in thesefollowing areas: dry feet, weak hoof walls, stabilizing pasture feet, hoofcracks in brood mares, bruising of the hoof wall, foals after trimming to holdthe shape of the hoof, nail hole filling, and keeping out excess moisture.

Thefirst thing that I do in this procedure is to balance the hoof back intomechanical harmony through corrective trimming.  Obviously the amount of trimming will depend on the level ofcorrection needed.  Next I willglue on a composite shoe, or I may choose to leave the hoof unshod depending onwhat I am trying to achieve with the particular horse.  I then pour the Acrylic Hoof Clear intothe hoof.  This product dries in 60seconds in the sunlight, or in 2-3 minutes in the shade.  It is very easy to work with.  When the acrylic is tacky I finish thehoof by wiping with a damp rag and that’s that.

Cappingthe hoof is a simple procedure which can be a huge benefit in your horse’s hoofcare program.  The Acrylic hoofwill stay on 6-8 weeks or longer. As I stated earlier it can be used on either barefoot or shod horseswith equal results.  Let me know ifyou have had success with this procedure.