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  Discussion on Pros and cons of borium/drill teck/studs to prevent slipping on asphalt
Author Message
Member:
frances

Posted on Sunday, Aug 17, 2014 - 9:43 am:

My horse slipped and fell on downhill asphalt today and I'd like to know the best way of preventing this from happening again.

She is shod on all four. Should I ask my farrier to apply any of the above mentioned (borium/drill teck/studs)? I want more traction to prevent slipping BUT it seems that many of these options can harm the joints.

What's the best compromise?
Member:
npo33901

Posted on Sunday, Aug 17, 2014 - 10:43 am:

Simple, take the shoes off ! Barefoot has more grip. Did you try barefoot in the past ?
New Member:
mizd

Posted on Monday, Aug 18, 2014 - 9:48 am:

There are several Good options to keep your horse from slipping.

I recently have purchased boots for our horses, two different brands. We were skeptical of them staying on, but they have been awesome. The bottom tread is a substance that will not slip on pavement. The real test for us is seeing how long they will last and if they will keep traction on rocks, sand, etc., when it rains and snows. One pair was Boa and the other Easy Boot. I found them on ebay new for much less than retail.

I worked with my horses moving / penning cattle, having to ride on concrete during all types of weather. My Farrier would weld a few spots of borium on the shoe and it worked very well, no slipping.

I've had horses slip easily barefoot on pavement and in the mountains on granite, etc., worse with rain or snow.

Once a horse slips a time or two and goes down, usually they have very good memories and are careful and cautious when they encounter that condition again.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2014 - 6:53 pm:

Hello LL,
A client and friend of mind was riding her horse home from a parade she was in. As she reached her driveway her horse stepped out on to smooth asphalt and the front foot slipped forward, she tumbled off the front and hit face forward so that she broke her neck. She was wearing a helmet. We know this because a car coming the opposite slowing down and admiring the horse saw the whole thing and called 911 and waited for help.

Since that time I have always dealt with smooth asphalt as though it were a very dangerous obstacle, particularly wet and doubly so when stepping off downhill.

Certainly borium caulks, barefoot, and rubber soled boots will reduce the problem. But the key is to be aware of the danger and approach such footing with care. Slow the horse, even bringing him to a stop, it alerts the horse to possible problems. One step out and then the next foot continued at a slow walk so that several feet should be on the ground at one time. Be prepared if your horse slips forward by practicing emergency dismounts including coming off forward, ready to do a roll so as not to land face forward. This is good exercise no matter what you decide to shoe your horse with because this can happen under many circumstances and no matter how your horse is shod.
DrO
Member:
frances

Posted on Thursday, Aug 21, 2014 - 12:25 am:

Thanks for the replies. What a terrible accident you describe, DrO.

Unfortunately I can't avoid some stretches of pavement, but am always very careful on it, as is my horse. We've probably ridden this route for about 15 years without incident, but this time she made a misstep with one front leg, brought herself back up again in time but in doing so skidded on the left hind and this brought her (and me) down.

Boots sound good, but are they not hard to fit? My horse gets rub injuries very easily.

I want to try the borium/drill teck (sp/) but am a little concerned about the effect on joints and tendons?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2014 - 10:01 am:

Well the theory is that the caulks bring the foot to a sudden halt when placed creating increased sheer forces to the lower joints. Also unbalanced placement of the caulks will create rotational forces that were not there before. While these effects are easily understood it is not known if they will significantly increase the incidence of lower limb injury. Preexisting conformational problems, use on hard surfaces, and rapid gaits will all increase the chance of acute or chronic injuries. I suspect a few well placed caulks on a shoe that mostly is used on soft ground for walking would have no effect while caulks on a shoe that a horse then gallops on a hard surface will remarkably affect the forces felt by the lower leg. It is the effect in between these two extremes that are difficult to judge.
DrO
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2014 - 11:29 am:

When we lived in heavy snow and ice country we used borium on the shoes to give more grip on ice. But, we only use the borium on horses that were getting ridden regularly and never on young horses. We never turned horses out loose that had borium on their shoes.

In cities that use Police horses, boots are usually used so horses can run on pavement if necessary. Many of the boots are easier to fit and fit better than older boots did. You an also get neoprene "socks" that prevent rubbing.
Member:
frances

Posted on Friday, Aug 29, 2014 - 12:07 am:

Thank you both. Good explanation DrO, makes it much clearer.
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