leather and rubber pads

Question

leather and rubber pad   hello sir, may i know when to use leather pads and rubber pads on horse hooves in thoroughbred horse racing?

Answer
I do not use either of these pads since they trap dirt and moisture in the sole and this becomes a breeding ground for thrush. I prefer a shoe with a bonded synthetic polymer that comes just between the shoe and hoof wall. I like to use these types of shoes on horses with poor foot conformation and flat footed horses. This also helps absorb some shock through the hoof and leg.

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