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Hoof Comfort for Horses W alking, racing, and jumping inflict a Schmidt conducted fatigue stress analysis of S F great deal of stress on a horse’s legs the magnetic pads. While these tests showed F O N and hooves. Linda Greenlaw, founder that the pads’ composite material and magnetic PI —S of Aquila Equine Enhancement Products, Inc., insert material were satisfactory, Schmidt found S FIT of Woburn, Massachusetts, developed magnetic that a modification in the placement of the E N hoof protector pads, called “Power Pads,” which magnet was necessary. Based on her analysis, E B L ease the discomfort caused by this stress. she was able to recommend an optimal con- A CI Similar to a person’s sneakers, the company’s figuration for the durability of the entire pad R E M power pads support and cushion the impact on design. Schmidt also suggested using an M CO the horse’s hooves and legs to provide comfort injection process to seal the magnet into the and protection against injuries. Tested by NASA pad, rather than applying bonding agents. for strength and durability, the power pads are Placing the pads on the horse’s hooves does quickly gaining recognition in the field as a not interfere with the horse’s natural move- solution for sore hooves. ment or flexibility and can be compared to a Aquila Equine Enhancement Products person changing into athletic shoes for a obtained NASA’s help by taking advantage of sporting event. The pads are cut to a suitable the technology development assistance available size, and then mounted onto a horse’s hooves to small businesses from NASA’s Marshall Space using conventional shoeing methods. Once Flight Center. The staff at Marshall’s Technol- attached, the pads protect the hard and soft ogy Transfer Office introduced the company to parts of the hoof by cushioning blows against Deborah Dianne Schmidt and Anthony J. the hard ground. The pad’s design also pro- Schaffer of the Center’s Materials and Process- tects the vulnerable “heel” of the hoof. They ing Laboratory, who agreed to analyze the are a cost-effective way to protect a horse’s power pads. hooves since they can be reused. With magnetic inserts to increase blood circulation, power pads protect a horse’s hooves and legs against injury while providing support and comfort. 90 CONSUMER/HOME/RECREATION The magnetic material presents several good option for correcting problems such S additional benefits. Research has shown that as “brittle” or “cracked” hooves. Power pads F F O magnetic devices improve blood flow to dam- have also proven helpful with navicular and N PI aged tissue by acting on the blood’s iron. By arthritic horses. —S S stimulating the damaged tissue’s fluids, the The power pads are currently being tested FIT E magnet helps to speed the elimination of waste at several veterinary schools, including Tufts N E B products, reduce swelling, and restore normal University, Virginia Polytech Institute, the L A function to the area. Since magnetic material University of Tennessee, Miner Institute, and CI R E inserted directly into the hoof wall can cause Cornell University. The Brotherhood of M M toxic poisoning, the non-invasive power pads are Working Farriers Research Center in LaFayette, CO the best solution to provide the horses with Georgia, which offers service to the equine magnetic therapy in their daily work routines. industry in solving difficult hoof problems, is Aquila Equine Enhancement Products has also working with the pads. ❖ the support of several master farriers, profes- sionals who shoe horses. Several New England farriers who used the pads on their horses in “field testing” reported that the pads cause hooves to grow more resinous, resulting in a stronger fiber. This makes the pads a Power pads are fitted onto a horse’s hooves using conventional horseshoe nails or glue. Metal horseshoes are then fitted over the pads. CONSUMER/HOME/RECREATION 91