Fifth in a Series

In this series, we will examine different shoeing applications and various alternatives for achieving the same desired outcome. In this installment, we explore the hospital plate.

Farrier Takeaways

• A hospital plate provides critical protection for the horse’s foot in several therapeutic cases including laminitis, puncture wounds, abscesses, bursitis, navicular bursa and canker.
• Some store-bought hospital pad kits provide pre-cut holes that may or may not benefit the specific case you are handling. Consult the pad before purchase to ensure it will match the wound site.
• Screws and bolts can be lost by clients during the treatment process. Consider providing them with extras, as well as a wrench, to ensure the plate can be reattached.
• Hoof preparation is critical if you choose a glue-on shoe and hospital plate application. It’s important to avoid experimentation during this critical time.
• A three-bolt hospital plate might prove unstable for some horses. A four-bolt plate might be a more effective option in these cases.