Rehab Base Plate in Use

The adaptable solution for a wide range of hoof problems

The standard Klebebeschlag from Goodsmith (“Perma XT Klebebeschlag”) is already designed for a wide range of hoof challenges and can be modified in many ways. However, certain hoof problems repeatedly arise where modifying the standard base plate is possible but involves considerable effort. Since at Goodsmith we always look for the simplest possible solutions, we sat down with numerous hoof professionals (barefoot trimmers, hoof technicians and farriers) and gathered their feedback on various prototypes of an “all-round problem hoof base plate”. The result is our unique Rehab base plate.

What distinguishes the Rehab base plate from the standard base plate?

The Rehab plate is closed in the frog area (instead of slit) and is overall thicker than the standard base plate. This makes the Rehab base plate stiffer. Less torsional flexibility means less movement in the hoof – because particularly with inflammations in the hoof, the hoof mechanism should often (on veterinary advice) be reduced in order not to further irritate the damaged tissue. The same result could be achieved with a metal core, which would however also significantly increase the weight of the base plate; that is why the Rehab plate is still made exclusively from plastic (TPU).

The Rehab base plate also differs from the standard Klebebeschlag through its recessed grid: this is lowered to allow a sufficiently thick hoof pad (kneading pad or injection pad) to be applied even on hooves with little sole arch (or even a domed sole, e.g. with coffin bone rotation). Because only when such a pad has a certain thickness can it actually fulfil its cushioning or supporting function. Since with some hoof diseases you also want to work with pads of different hardness, the pad area is separated by a bridge. This is also recessed so that it cannot press anywhere, but still offers the possibility of placing two different pads in the base plate. Of course, a continuous pad of uniform material can also be applied and the bridge simply ground out if needed.

Another difference between the standard base plate and the Rehab plate is the underside: it is slightly arched. In the middle is a flat standing surface, but the profile is clearly chamfered towards the edge. This allows the horse not only to break over more easily to the front, but also to turn sideways more easily without putting too much leverage on the hoof wall. This eases the movement sequence for horses, particularly with painful conditions such as laminitis or navicular syndrome.

Of course, this distinct rounding can also be further modified by the hoof care professional so that the breakover behaviour really suits the individual horse.

Which hoof problems is the Rehab Klebebeschlag suitable for?

The original idea behind the Rehab base plate was primarily intended for laminitis patients, for whom elaborate special solutions were often devised. The so-called “Steward Clog”, a strongly rounded wooden plate applied to the hoof, has proven itself here. However, this was often screwed onto the hoof, since laminitic horses cannot tolerate nailing due to the vibrations. But screws also further damage the already strained hoof wall. A glued solution therefore offers clear advantages here.

During product development and collaboration with various hoof professionals, it quickly became clear that the recessed grid and easier breakover provide noticeable relief not only for laminitic horses, but are also beneficial for various other orthopaedic problems. These include in particular damage to tendons and ligaments, which are relieved by the easier breakover. Furthermore, the Rehab base plate can also provide relief in diseased joints, e.g. in acute arthritis flares – because here too, early breakover can reduce or prevent further irritation of the affected area.

To the Rehab base plate and other rehab products:)

A small note: our rehab products will be grey in future.

Author: Nathalie Kurz