[RC] shoes impeding circulation-not! - Lynne Glazer>> Unfortunately I've read the veterinary articles about how regular shoes just don't allow for enough hoof flexion and therefore impede circulation. <<Can't let that sit out there unanswered. My old friend Henry Heymering, master shoer, says: Yes the hoof does pump blood as the horse puts weight on the leg - that's known. What is not known is exactly how that happens. However, as blood is pumped out of the hoof as maximum weight is put on it; and 'expansion' of the hoof occurs at the same time as maximum weight is put on it, it cannot be 'expansion' that is pumping the blood. When the hoof is expanded it will contain more volume rather than less, and would be sucking rather than pushing out. You can safely put steel shoes on your horse without any worry that it will impede circulation. If anything, shoes may increase circulation. - Henry =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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