A revolution in horseshoe design
The new Mustad Equi-Librium horseshoe represents a new approach that is proven to reduce load and the risk of injury in horses. The design is informed by rigorous scientific research undertaken at the Utrecht University in the Netherlands, as well as the input and field testing of some of the world’s most experienced farriers.
These investigations demonstrate that the unique anatomy and habits of a horse in motion can be enhanced by an intelligent shoe – one that works with the horse. Simply by supporting the horse with a balanced, free range of motion, the Equi-Librium helps improve performance, reduce loading and ultimately, prevent injuries.
The intelligent design of the Equi-Librium makes it the premier choice for top sport horses around the world.
Designed with horses in mind
The Equi-Librium horseshoe is uniquely suited to enhance the anatomy and natural motion of a horse – especially during peak performance.
The rolled toe of the Equi-Librium horseshoe provides a precision match to the natural ‘unrolling’ of the horse’s hoof as it lifts from the ground. This feature allows the horse a more natural gait in every direction.
In tests, the shoe design allows the horse to unroll his foot on average 33% more gradually compared to a standard shoe. This design helps horses to better coordinate their limbs. Furthermore, the horse is free to unroll in any direction – a distinct advantage during faster gaits, turning, or any activity in which limb loading approaches capacity.
The freedom of movement a horse experiences wearing Equi-Librium can significantly reduce this burden. In fact, the changed hoof-unrollment pattern also affected the joint and tendon loading and led to a mean lower peak of 14%. This indicates a less abrupt and lighter loading of the internal structures of the equine digits (joints and tendons) and hence can be presumed to decrease the risk of injury from overloading.
This graph shows the difference in measurements between a standard shoe and an Equi-Librium show. Every dot in the graph represents on point of measurement during the cycle of loading and unloading of the limb. The lines represent the loading pattern on the coffin joint, the navicular area and the tendons around this joint.
As a horse moves, he constantly seeks to maintain the center of pressure in each hoof. In this, he is aided by a well-balanced shoe. The Equi-Librium shoe locates the center of mass in the center of the shoe in order to help the horse maintain his ideal center of pressure.
The benefits of Aluminum
When a fraction of a second can make the difference between winning and losing, the Equi-Librium Aluminum provides a distinct advantage. The shoe is 65% lighter than steel shoes, but their design makes them hold up as well as steel.
Unlike most aluminum shoes, the Equi-Librium Aluminum does not employ a steel insert. Extensive testing shows that Equi-Librium shoes without steel inserts have significantly better wear patterns, preserving the design advantages of the entire life of the shoe.
Balance in Motion
With the same superb features as steel but at a much lower weight, the Equi-Librium Aluminum is ideal for:
Competition horses with extra knee action, for example horses judged on movement such as hunters.
Horses in rehabilitation after a leg injury.
Horses sensitive to strain or loading injuries.
Horses requiring additional support provided by sole pads or silicone without increasing overall weight per foot.
