Equicast
Q: I live in very muddy and wet conditions during the winter, how well does the cast hold up can they get wet?A: Yes, Equicast is made of a mesh material you can even soak the hoof if necessary. Moisture does not affect the cast.
Q: How long do the casts last? I ride in hard dirt and rocks.
A: This question is not an easy one to answer as it different for every horse and depends on whether your ride in sandy or clay type dirt as the variables are endless. If you are nailing a shoe to the bottom then the answer is easy. It will last until your next shoeing.
If you are not and are depending on Equicast as the only orthotic then this will depend on many factors. One thing to look out for is to be sure you have applied enough glue. If you lose an Equicast before it has had a chance to wear off then then your gluing has failed. What you are looking for is to have the horse wear off his cast much like he would his own hoof. Using Equicast as a diagnostic tool by being aware of where the horse has the most wear, is he hard on his toe or more in the heals? More so on one side then the other. What you aim for of coarse is more of an even wear. So how long do they last? Usually a few weeks. If you need them to last any longer and you don't want to nail a shoe then you can always apply a double cast. This will usually last about 5-6 weeks.
Q: Do you need to use glue?
A: Usually yes, it will depend on how long you need them to stay on. For the maximum time, then yes you would need to use glue, otherwise if you are using Equicast to apply a wooden shoe then you many choose not to. If you are using Equicast for a diagnostic tool and you may want the cast to come off easier then perhaps you may just apply Equicast directly.
Q: Is there a special glue necessary that works best with Equicast?
A: We currently having great success using Equilox.
Q: I have a problem with my horses right fore and I plan to use a cast, do you need to use a cast on both hooves?
A: That would depend on if you use Equicast on one hoof, then you walk around to the back of the horse and look at his withers is that side now higher? If not then using only one would be fine but if you leave the horse higher on one side then it would be best to cast both sides.
EVA Shoes
Dr. Mike Steward's EVA ShoesEquicast/EVA Shoes add unitized stabilization and proper bio-mechanics to the entire hoof capsule! Equicast and EVA Shoes create a paradigm by providing proper lateral stability, vertical integrity, effective bio-mechanics and pastern alignment. Together they help restore dynamic stimulation to the coronary and solar plexuses as well as efficient loading and unloading of the fetlock essential in restoring healthy aerobic blood to the entire hoof capsule. This is achieved from the banding effect of Equicast and bio-mechanics of the EVA Shoe. Once integrity has been achieved the enhanced bio-mechanics should aid in stimulating hoof growth. This paradigm disperses consistent stimulation to the entire coronary band and will reduce structural deformities caused from uneven coronary band stimulation.
