Glue-On Shoes in Front of the Carriage?

Glue-on shoes in carriage driving – an interview with the Zimmer family

 

1. Tell us – how did you come across the Goodsmith and an alternative to horseshoes?

We came to Goodsmith through our farrier Ulrich Klaus . The horse in question, a Haflinger gelding, had repeatedly kicked off a front horseshoe, massively damaging the hoof wall. Nailing on a horseshoe became very problematic. Ulrich Klaus, a very experienced and skilled farrier, recommended the Goodsmith glue-on shoe to us, as it is custom-made for the horse's hoof by him.

2. ...und das hält??

For this question you have to differentiate between winter and summer.

With significantly less growth over winter, the glue-on shoes last a good 10 weeks. Over summer we get 8 weeks.

3. How long have you been using them?

Our Nestor has been wearing the Goodsmiths on the front since September 2018. Into the sole of the Klebebeschlags 2 tungsten carbide studs are screwed in each at the front and back. This way the driving horse is equally equipped with 4 tungsten carbide studs as with classic horseshoes.

4. You often hear that glue is supposed to be harmful to the hoof horn. Can you comment on that?

We can't confirm that. No damage to the hoof horn has occurred so far. On the contrary, the hoof horn consistency has developed very well again.

5. Can any farrier do this?

In principle, yes. However, it is also very important that the farrier is willing to engage with the topic of „alternative hoof protection.“

6. You compete in carriage driving. Is the product allowed in competition?

We have been competing at driving events with Nestor and his hoof shoes as a pair since May 2019. We complete tests in dressage, obstacle driving as well as in the marathon through cross-country obstacles.

So far there have been no objections to the hoof shoes.

7. Do you have to pay special attention to anything in hoof care when the horse wears Goodsmiths?

No. We regularly check the hooves and also the glue attachments.

8. What would you say, how satisfied are you with the product now after all this time?

We have been very satisfied with the Goodsmiths for a good 3 years now. We especially appreciate the reliability, as the worry has vanished that Nestor would tear off a horseshoe along with hoof wall just two days before a competition/wedding etc.