3D HoofCare Hoof Pad Size Guide Hoof Pad Buying Guide

which hoof pad is best for your horse? In this HOOF PAD buying guide we compare different hoof pads and give and helpful hints so you can Shop with confidence.

Why use a frog support hoof pad?

All 3D HoofCare pads are designed to support your horse’s frog to prevent peripheral loading. Peripheral loading occurs when a shoe supports only the outer edge of the hoof, causing the majority of the solar surface (the foot’s sole) to slump towards the ground. By supporting the frog and sole, hoof pads can help prevent tissue damage, painful heels, and possible corns.

Hoof pads are often used to help horses needing bony column support, in cases of laminitis, navicular syndrome, and concussive injuries by helping to maintain the position of the frog relative to other structures of the hoof.

In short, hoof pads which support the frog reduce strains on tendons, heels, and soft tissues within the foot structure.

Hoof pad options

HALF MESH HOOF PAD (HM)

The 3D Hoofcare Half Mesh hoof pad is the hybrid all-rounder designed to be used when your horse is active on a controlled pasture where risk of puncture is not high.

ANGLE: Flat, and 3 degree
SIZE TYPE: Normal
SIZE RANGE: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
DIM / PACKING: Suitable and recommended
PROTECTION: Good

SPECIALTY: Versatile all-rounder

Full Half Mesh Hoof Pad product description here.

FULL MESH HOOF PAD (FM)

is for maximum protection and support. Ideal for stony environments, vital for thin soled horses, or when recovering from injury. This pad covers the entire solar surface and allows the added shock-absorption and added support of a full-sole DIM / hoof packing application. The Full Mesh is often used by trail riders, cross country racers, and endurance horses.

ANGLE: Flat
SIZE TYPE: Normal
SIZE RANGE: 4, 5, 6, 7
DIM / PACKING: Suitable and recommended
PROTECTION: Maximum

SPECIALTY: Maximum support and protection

Full Mesh Hoof Pad product description here.

HALF MESH NARROW HOOF PAD (HMN)

The Half Mesh Narrow is specially suited to horses with narrower feet (either front or hind). Originally designed for Quarter horses in the USA, the Half Mesh Narrow has been thoroughly used in the harness racing industry.

The frog support is 4mm narrower than the original 3D HoofCare Half Mesh pad to accommodate the heel branches and provides enough width and length for added heel support. Half Mesh Narrow Hoof Pad is designed to be used in a controlled pasture and riding environment that has no extreme threat to puncture the exposed sole area.

ANGLE: Flat, and 3 degree
SIZE TYPE: HMN
SIZE RANGE: 2, 3, 4, 5
DIM / PACKING: Suitable and recommended
PROTECTION: Good

SPECIALTY: Shaped for harness and quarter horses

Half Mesh Narrow Hoof Pad product description here.

ED ECLIPSE HOOF PAD (EE)

The Ed Eclipse Hoof Pad is lightweight for performance & speed. Racing and equestrian athletes in competition and full training use this pad for injury prevention more than recovery from injury. Weight reduction is achieved through minimal coverage of the solar surface yet the pad maintains all benefits of the frog support structure to keep equine athletes at optimal performance. This is the only pad always used without DIM to reduce weight for performance.

ANGLE: Flat, and 2 degree
SIZE TYPE: Normal
SIZE RANGE: 2, 3, 4, 5
DIM / PACKING: Not recommended
PROTECTION: Minimal

SPECIALTY: Lightweight for performance & speed

Ed Eclipse Hoof Pad product description here.

3D DEPLANO FUSION HOOF PAD HALF MESH NARROW HOOF PAD (DP)

Sport horses, show jumpers, and eventers use the 3D Deplano Fusion hoof pad’s comfortable Deplano leather pad for added cushioning, to prevent ingress of sand, and to provide the stability of 3D HoofCare’s frog support to dissipate harsh concussive forces. Deplano is the premium leather pad specialist and 3D HoofCare is at the cutting edge of frog support technology. The 3D Deplano Fusion’s high-tech materials allow a tailored flex to prevent levering of nails, loosening of shoes and rising clenches – challenges posed by other pad brands.

Important note: these pads use the 3D Hoofcare Half Mesh configuration yet use a sizing adapted from Deplano’s range. Consult our handy size guide for an easy conversion chart.

ANGLE: Flat, and 2 degree
SIZE TYPE: Deplano
SIZE RANGE: 3, 4, 5, 6
DIM / PACKING: Suitable
PROTECTION: Very High

SPECIALTY: Protection of leather for eventing and show jumping

3D Deplano Fusion Hoof Pad product description here.

NO HOOF PAD.

With no pad to support your horse’s frog, sole, and bony column your horse’s risk of soft tissue injury increases.

3D Hoofcare hoof pad comparison chart

	DEGREES	Size Type	Size Range	DIM / packing	Specialty	Leather	PROTECTION LEVEL
Full Mesh	Flat	Normal	4,5,6,7	Y	Full support and protection	N	MAXIMUM
Half Mesh	Flat or 3	Normal	2,3,4,5,6	Y	Great all-rounder	N	GOOD
Half Mesh Narrow	Flat or 3	HMN	2,3,4,5	Y	Shaped for harness and quarterhorses	N	GOOD
Ed Eclipse	Flat or 2	Normal	2,3,4,5	N	Lightweight for speed & performance	N	MINIMAL
3D Deplano	Flat or 2	Deplano	3,4,5,6	Y	Protection of leather for eventing and show jumping	Y	VERY HIGH

More vital resources

HOOF PAD SIZE GUIDE

What size hoof pad will fit your horse? In this article we offer definitive measurements and vital tips to help you choose the right hoof pad size.

HOOF SUPPORT SOLUTIONS

Find full product descriptions in our full Hoof Support Solutions range

Frequently asked questions

Why use an angled or wedge hoof pad?

3D Hoofcare pads come in flat and angled versions. The 3-degree angled wedge pad can be used to artificially raise the hoof angle when conformation or injury needs assistance when the hoof angle is low relative to the pastern angle. In short, by raising the heel slightly, the horse’s hoof to leg structure sits in a healthier, more natural position. If in doubt, consult your vet and/or farrier for professional assessment.
Why use a flat hoof pad instead of an angled or wedge hoof pad?
Should I use a hoof pad for eventing and equestrian?

When your horse lands after a jump its hoof structure is hit with huge concussive stress. If your horse wears shoes with no hoof pad to help dissipate those concussive forces over a wider area, all of that force is focused on the small area where the shoe meets the hoof. This peripheral loading of forces can cause any soft tissue weakness to escalate into soft tissue damage and injury. A hoof support pad helps dissipate concussive forces (when the foot hits the ground) over a wider area, very similar to how a natural barefoot functions. The best hoof support pads, such as the 3D Deplano Fusion pads, incorporate traditional leather pads to prevent ingress of debris and offer additional cushioning so are perfect for eventing and equestrian.
Should I use a hoof pad for endurance riding, trail riding, and cross country?

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