My friend’s horse recently sustained a suspensory strain in front. Her vet (who has an extremely good reputation) recommended Natural Balance shoes up front. Has anyone ever heard that Nat. Bal. shoes are good for suspensory injuries?
The shoes (any shoes) are only as good as the person putting them on. If you can find someone who REALLY knows what they are doing with NB’s I think they can be very helpful indeed.
NJR
I think I remember reading somewhere that the NB shoes provide for quicker or more natural breakover? This would put less strain on the tendons. I think a rocker toe might do the same thing. Perhaps one of the farriers on the board can pipe in.
I can not think of any kind of shoe other than a toe grab race plate that would in itself cause a suspensory or other injury.
That includes everything from any kind of traditional shoes to perimeter fit shoes, NB shoes, urathane shoes, bar shoes, and so on.
On the other hand, I can sure think of a few things that a farrier could do wrong in the application of any kind of shoes that could cause injury. It ain’t the shoes. 
PS the vet should only recomend NB shoes for a farrier who is willing to trim the foot to NB recomended guidelines and apply them as they are intended.
In biomechanical theory, yes they help. They shorten the duration of breakover, during which the suspensory apparatus (all parts from the back of the knee to the dinky branches below the fetlock) and the flexor tendons stretch. It’s a little more complicated than that, but this is the basic idea.
But you do need to find a farrier who knows how to trim for these shoes as well. In your friend’s position, I’d explain the problem to the farrier. If his idea differs from the vet, I’d be tempted to follow his recommendation. But chances are that with a really good vet on the case, those pros will agree about how trimming and shoeing can help this horse.
My vet recommended increased breakover following my horse’s suspensory injury. My farrier put him in Natural Balance shoes, and my new farrier (I moved barns and had to switch farriers) has kept him in the Natural Balance shoes. I think they helped with the healing process, and they did definitely improve breakover. Now that my horse is back to light work (20 minutes trot and very little canter), I’ve noticed a HUGE improvement in his movement as compared to how he moved before his injury when he was in traditional steel shoes. I mean, night and day difference. He also no longer needs bell boots. Prior to the Natural Balance shoes, he was constantly overreaching and clipping himself…now, no problems.
Just my experience. Good luck with your horse!
[QUOTE=mvp;4820883]
In biomechanical theory, yes they help. They shorten the duration of breakover, during which the suspensory apparatus (all parts from the back of the knee to the dinky branches below the fetlock) and the flexor tendons stretch. It’s a little more complicated than that, but this is the basic idea.
But you do need to find a farrier who knows how to trim for these shoes as well. In your friend’s position, I’d explain the problem to the farrier. If his idea differs from the vet, I’d be tempted to follow his recommendation. But chances are that with a really good vet on the case, those pros will agree about how trimming and shoeing can help this horse.[/QUOTE]
Ditto. I have them on my horse who suffered a fairly several DDT flexor injury in 2006. When used by an experienced farrier, they are very effective in helping breakover and taking pressure of the tendons and ligaments.
Please note that everyone is saying an EXPERIENCED NATURAL BALANCE farrier. The trim has to be right.
I had them put on by a person who thought he knew whathe was doing and it was not good. I’m sure my case is not the norm, but be sure the person you get is good.
Go to Horseshoes.com and ask for a referral in your area. They can be a gruff bunch, but they are all professional’s and have lots of knowledge and contacts between them.
NJR
Horseshoes.com is not the place to find the farriers specifically trained in Natural Balance. The NB referral list is found at www.nbhoofcare.com.
Use their 'farrier finder 'section . The method of determining the listed farriers level of training and certification in NB shoeing specifically is spelled out in that site .
I checked your list and found that there is an NB farrier near me. Now I know who to call when I want my little Arab shod. After I check out his work, of course.
I may also be getting an OTTB that needs a year lay-off due to a hole in her supsensory. I’m going to try her barefoot, but if she isn’t comfortable without shoes, I’ll be looking for a farrier whose work I like.
