We horse owners are well aware of the expression \u201cno hoof, no horse\u201d. The hoof is the foundation for the horse\u2019s health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy and strong hoof is crucial to prevent discomfort. In this post, we explore our latest product which we have named \u201cSole Protect\u201d, it integrates with the natural hoof structure based on material science and practical experience.<\/p>
Understanding the Horse\u2019s Hoof<\/strong><\/p> The horse\u2019s sole is a sensitive area primarily composed of keratin, a tough and flexible protein. Scientific data indicates that keratin\u2019s density varies from about 1.13 to 1.32 g\/cm\u00b3, depending on hydration and structure. This density allows the hoof to absorb shocks while providing support. However, external factors such as environment, feed, and water can negatively affect the hoof and sole, which can lead to soreness or imbalances.<\/p> Materials that mimic the sole\u2019s natural density to avoid disrupting the hoof\u2019s biomechanics, with a density profile around 1.07 to 1.20 g\/cm\u00b3, became the answer.<\/p> A Closer Look at Polycaprolactone<\/strong><\/p> The material that met our long list of requirements was polycaprolactone, a biodegradable polymer with a melting point around 60\u00b0C. The density closely matches that of hoof keratin, allowing it to function as a reinforcement, shock absorption, and contribute to better comfort while protecting the hoof during the year\u2019s different seasons.<\/p> Sole Protect is non-toxic and free from microplastics, making it suitable for direct contact with tissue. Its biodegradable nature ensures that it breaks down harmlessly in the environment over time, fully in line with our sustainable thinking in material selection.<\/p> Practical Application for Optimal Results<\/strong><\/p> Applying Sole Protect is a simple process that allows for individualized protection tailored to each horse\u2019s unique hoof shape. Start by thoroughly cleaning the hoof with a hoof pick and, if possible, a steel brush. For the best prep, we have developed a pH-minus spray to create an optimal environment for the sole.<\/p> Sole Protect comes in pellet form. Heat the pellets in water at about 60\u00b0C until they soften and become a moldable mass. Use a spoon to lift the material, shape it by hand directly against the sole and next to the frog. Avoid making the layer thicker than the iron shoe if the horse is traditionally shod to prevent sole pressure \u2013 a thickness of 7-10 mm can work but is significantly harder to remove, while thinner applications are simpler.<\/p> Once the sole is shaped, allow the material to harden, either naturally in the stable aisle or with cooling spray. For winter conditions, patterns or best grip ice studs can be applied.<\/p> Removal: Use a stable hoof pick to work around the edges until the sole comes off. Sole Protect is reusable \u2013 heat it again in boiling water for a few minutes to restore its moldable state, note that it takes longer for Sole Protect to soften when it has already been softened once as the mass becomes more compact than at delivery when the mass is in pellet form.<\/p> Benefits for Hoof Health and Performance<\/strong><\/p> Sole Protect offers several benefits rooted in biomechanics and material properties. By matching the hoof\u2019s nature, we can offer extended protection when needed without negative impact.<\/p> Environmental <\/strong><\/p> In today\u2019s world, sustainability is the key to responsible horse ownership. By choosing biodegradable materials without harmful additives, we contribute to a healthier planet. Sole Protect is biodegradable and supports not only your horse\u2019s well-being but also promotes the environment.<\/p> By choosing materials that work in harmony with nature, we can ensure that hoof care solutions benefit both our horses and the planet we share.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We horse owners are well aware of the expression \u201cno hoof, no horse\u201d. The hoof is the foundation for the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2691,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-okategoriserad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2679"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2690,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2679\/revisions\/2690"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2691"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/equnique.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}