How did you first come across the Twin™ Shoe?
DR: I first came across the Twin™ Shoe when I was invited to shoe horses for a scientific research initiated by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Ghent. The research was about comparing hoof mechanism under 3 different conditions: barefoot, shod with traditional shoes and shod with Twin™ Shoes.
What were the results of this search?
DR: In short, the research revealed that heel expansion with the Twin™ Shoe and heel expansion in barefoot condition are very similar, in contrast with the significant restriction of heel expansion with a traditional shoe in all gaits. The results were published in an article of the Veterinary Journal in 2019.
What is your own experience with the Twin™ Shoe?
DR: Overall very positive. The feedback I am receiving is that in most cases the Twin™ Shoe shows an immediate effect on the ‘feeling’ of the horse and after a couple of shoeing cycles we can observe that healthy hoof growth is above what we see with traditional shoes and there is less distortion of the hoof.
Shod with and used to the Twin™ Shoe, the horse moves more comfortably and does not hold back even in short turns or on a harder surface. We see more growth and better hoof quality, less joint (fetlock, coffin) or tendon sheath distention and the hoof is clearly maintaining its 3-dimensional flexibility.
When would you recommend applying the Twin™ Shoe and when not?
DR: The Twin™ Shoe is beneficial for horses in most cases, the Twin™ Shoe can help the therapeutic process with horses suffering from injuries, but actually it is best used pro-actively in the prevention of lameness.
Even horses suffering from ringbone (osteoarthritis) start walking almost immediately with much more ease on hard surface when shod with the Twin™ Shoe as there is better shock absorption. Clubfooted horses gain more flexibility and as such have less risk on developing sore hoof cartilages/sidebones.
So far, I have used the Twin™ Shoe on different types of horses and in different usages, including recreational riding and in different disciplines from show jumping, eventing to trotting and others. I have seen the positive effects in each discipline.
I would not recommend the Twin™ Shoe for horses with a severely compromised hoof wall such as in laminitis, as they generally have weakened laminae which cope less well with the heel expansion allowed by the Twin™ Shoes.
What is important for farriers to know about the Twin™ Shoe application method?
DR: Although very similar to traditional shoeing, there are some fundamental differences which are very important. If applied correctly, the Twin™ Shoe will be very beneficial for the surefootedness and well-being of the horse.
What are the main differences that the farrier should be aware of when shoeing a horse with Twin™ Shoes?
DR: Firstly, shoeing cycles should be a maximum of 6 weeks as we see better hoof growth than with traditional shoes. Also, compared to traditional shoes there should be no extension, this is critical to ensure stability of the shoe on the hoof and avoid lost branches or partial detachment due to leverage, forces and torque.
As with traditional shoeing, it all starts with trimming the hoof according the normal standards or protocols. Then the Twin™ Shoe is fitted according to it’s unique application method. Before nailing on, the shoe is partially cut at the mark in the toe, this can be done using a grinder or jigsaw. Once this has been done we must be cautious when using the driving hammer to avoid breaking the shoe before nailing it on the hoof. Once nailed on, clinched and the clips set, the shoe is cut through with a handsaw. Initially it will take farriers a bit longer but once used to Twin™ Shoeing, an experienced farrier will not spend more time shoeing with Twin™ Shoes than with traditional shoes.
The main goal is to have a hoof shod with zero limit on movement. Beneficial to this with the Twin™ Shoe is that the shoe moves with the foot.
The placement of the nail holes is not the same as with traditional shoes. The nail holes with Twin™ Shoes are positioned a bit further back, holding the shoe firmly in place but without hindering the heel movement as the shoe is split.
As the Twin™ Shoe is split at the toe, does it stay well on the hoof, compared to traditional shoes?
DR: Yes, so far, I have not had any trouble with horses losing or pulling off the shoe, as long as the Twin™ Shoe is fitted and applied correctly. However, during the initial transition period from traditional shoes into Twin™ shoes, you may experience some increased shoe loss as the hoof capsule changes and grows out less healthy and less strong hoof wall. Generally, during this transition period of 4-8 months, it helps to shorten up the shoeing intervals to 4-5 weeks instead of the standard 6-week intervals that we normally recommend when using Twin™ Shoes.
In your experience with the Twin™ Shoe, is there a need for traction devices to provide more grip on certain footing as is often done when shod with traditional shoes?
DR: Because the hoof maintains its natural flexibility with Twin™ Shoes, it therefore has a larger ground engagement contact surface in turns and on uneven footing compared to traditional shoes providing better traction. However, there is always a place and time for traction devices such as in horses performing on soft/heavy Turf or slippery surfaces like concrete. Nevertheless, in most circumstances, there is no need for traction devices.
In your experience with the Twin™ Shoe, is there a need to add other shock absorbing and protective materials such as pads and silicone?
DR: No, because the Twin™ Shoe allows full natural shock absorption as the hoof movement isn’t limited and with proper trimming and Twin™ shoe application we see an improvement in size and quality of the frog and digital cushion, important natural shock absorbing structures. However, we have tested the combination of a Twin™ Shoe with a flexible Twin™ Shoe pad/mesh and silicone which can be used if the farrier wants to provide more support without limiting the hoof movement allowed by the Twin™ Shoe.
From your experience, would there be a reason not to use the Twin™ Shoe as a standard/preventive shoe for a horse that needs shoes for protection? E.g. a young horse ready to start under saddle/in work.
DR: When I start trimming a young horse, I always look for proper balance and try to keep them going barefoot as long as possible. If the wear, due to riding or stable management, is too much and the horse needs protection in any way, the Twin™ Shoe is my first choice. No limitation of the hoof movement, less shocks or vibrations going via the joints, less fatigue in the muscles are significant benefits I have seen with Twin™ Shoes.
The Twin™ Shoe has 2 front clips. What is your experience with the front clips of the Twin™ Shoe?
DR: I must admit that at first, I was a bit skeptical about the 2 front clips, but it is now very obvious to me that we need the 2 small front clips to be successful in the concept along with the side clips which are actually very well positioned. For the fitting of the shoe, cold or hot shoeing, there is no problem. Once you and the owner or rider get used to it, they wouldn’t want it any other way because of the comfort and the ease the horse can work with and recover.