What are Twin™ Shoes
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Twin™ Shoes are similar to traditional steel horseshoes in look and nail-on application method. They feature patented forged splitting indicator grooves at the toe, front and side clips, and optimized nail hole locations.
The shoes are split at the grooves to allow optimal functioning of the hoof mechanism. In addition to standard equipment, an angle grinder with a 3/64” cutting wheel and a hacksaw are needed to partially pre-cut the groove after shoe fitting and then to complete the splitting of the shoe after nailing.
Twin™ Shoes have several features built in ensuring the optimal functioning and stability of the split-shoe concept. The patented front clips and the dual cutting grooves clearly distinguish Twin™ Shoes from other shoes. In addition Twin™ Shoes also have several features which make it easier for the farrier to work with Twin™ Shoes.
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The two front clips prevent the foot from sliding forward off the shoe and provide a larger surface (than with one toe clip) limiting focal pressure and providing more support at push-off.
The cutting grooves on both the support and the ground facing side of the shoe provide an easy guideline for the unique feature of the shoe: after nailing the shoe on, it is split, creating two equal halves firmly held in place with each one front and one side clip and with nails.
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Other features of Twin™ Shoes include a non-centered crease, pitched nail holes, sweep, pencilled heels etc...
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Twin™ Shoe Features
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Twin™ Shoe Benefits
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Twin Shoes combine the benefits of a barefoot, free-functioning hoof mechanism and the protection of traditional shoes without the disadvantages of either.
Academic research and long-duration field trials show Twin Shoes contribute to stronger, more balanced and healthier hooves. Depending on starting condition of the foot, usage of the shoes typically results in improvement within the first 1 to 90 days, with ongoing improvement occurring over the next 180 to 240 days.
Recommended Uses
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Supporting strong, balanced and healthy hooves without sacrificing protection.
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Managing hoof capsule pain and certain joint, ligament and tendon injuries for both therapeutic and preventive purposes.
Great for transitioning to and from barefoot.
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Avoid use in laminitic horses or situations requiring immobilization of the hoof capsule and its internal structures.
What to expect
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Depending on starting condition of the foot and the , usage of the shoes typically results in improvement within the first 1 to 90 days, with ongoing improvement occurring over the next 180 to 240 days.
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Immediate effects (week 1-2) with Twin™ Shoes: you may feel and see the horse adjusting to the new feel and movement of his feet, the horse may look like he is searching on how to place his feet in a correct and balanced way from the new proprioceptive input he is receiving. Hoof capsule relaxation often takes place with opening up of the toe gap even within a couple of days.
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Short Term (week 13-12) into Twin™ Shoes: The gait of horses with short stridedness, mild gait irregularity and certain lameness issues may improve significant during this time with longer stride length, more freedom in the shoulders and reduced lameness. The hoof capsule starts to change but as old, weaker and flared hoof walls are growing out some branch loss can be experienced. For this reason, in combination with increased hoof growth rate we see with Twin™ Shoes, we recommend shorter shoeing intervals (every 4 weeks) instead of the standard 6-week shoeing interval.
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Mid Term (week 12-34) into Twin™ Shoes: you will notice continuous improvement in gait quality, lameness (if any) and hoof quality, shape and balance.
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Long Term (week 34 onwards) into Twin™ Shoes: most hoof health parameters will start stabilizing by now, generally the toe gap will not widen up to more than a ¼ inch during the standard 6-week shoeing intervals and the shoe remains nicely fixed on the stronger hoof. Ongoing improvement (although slower) may still be seen at this point in time.
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Going back from Twin™ Shoes to traditional shoes the improvements described above will gradually disappear again.
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Read More and see Webinars about the effects of Twin™ Shoes on several parameters related to Hoof Growth, Quality & Shape and to Biomechanics on the FIELD TRIALS PAGE of this website.
Before & After Cases
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See the effects of Twin™ Shoes on 7 horses with various lameness issues (before using Twin™ Shoes and After usingTwin™ Shoes).
Specifications
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See or Download the Twin™ Shoes Spec Sheet.
The Twin™ Shoe and the Twin™ Shoeing method are patent protected.
Bartek Equine LLC
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