Frequently Asked Questions
The Happy Hoof Therapeutic pads will be referred to as The System Pads throughout the questions and answers.

How do I know which pad my horse wants?
How can I apply the pads to my horses hooves?
How long do the pads last?
The pad compressed. Do I need to change it?
Is there one pad that will cover all of my horses hoof problems?
My horse has an abscess is there a pad for that?
Will these pads cure my horses problem?
My horse isn’t navicular or foundered. Can I still use the pads?
Are the pads only used for horses that are barefoot?
Do you have anything to help with transitioning from shoes to barefoot?
How can I cut the pads?
How do I know what size to purchase?
Can this make my horse feel too good?
Are the pads used one at a time?
My horse is a pony/mini do I use the same pad densities? 

How do I know which pad my horse wants?
Have the horse stand on a pad to see what his/her reaction is.  A horse that walks, kicks the pad out or lifts the hoof and will not weight the hoof is avoiding the pads.  That is not the pad to use at this time.  If the horse stands on the pad and gives any of these or all these signs then this is the right pad: licking, chewing, yawning, won’t give the hoof when asked.  To get the pad simply walk the horse forward.  [Back to top]

How can I apply the pads to my horses hooves?
The System pads can be duct taped in place, but they are best used with any number of huggers, slippers or riding boots. Any boot used for the purpose of holding the pads will likely need to be one size larger than the horse’s foot size. This way, there will be room in the boots for both the pads and the foot. (Note: be sure to have a good, proper, well-balanced trim before taking the measurements of the feet, as the trim will likely affect the measurement outcome. If boots are ordered before a major trim, the boots will be too big after the trim.) [Back to top]

How long do the pads last?
Depending on how much your horse is moving around.  Also, how the hoof is being weighted will determine just how long the pad will last.  Average length of time for the pad is 4 to 5 days. [Back to top]

The pad compressed. Do I need to change it?
The softer pads provide a cottony, cloud-like comfort, but compress and conform more readily. However, even when compressed and conformed, they perform a vital, very desirable function. Pads should not have to be replaced multiple times a day. A pad compressed to paper thin can still give plenty of comfort /support to a horses hoof.   As long as the horse is comfortable the pad/s can be left in place.  [Back to top]

Is there one pad that will cover all of my horses hoof problems?
There is no one pad that does it all.  As the hoof changes in the recovery process so does it needs in pads.  This is simply figured out when the horse becomes uncomfortable on the pad it is wearing and the same color no longer makes him/her comfortable.  Depending on the situation another pad may be needed or your horse is done healing.  Testing the other pads will help determine what is needed. [Back to top]

My horse has an abscess is there a pad for that?
The yellow pad is used to help the horse with comfort before the abscess is expelled.  The pad can be cut to relieve the area as soon as you know where the abscess is.  By relieving the pressure this helps with comfort and expelling the abscess. [Back to top]

Will these pads cure my horses problem?
The System pads are not intended to be the 'cure' for founder or navicular, but as an essential component to providing comfort and / or support during the recovery period. As with virtually all hoof problems and ailments, the primary key component to achieving sound, healthy feet is a proper, well-balanced trim. Pads are intended and designed to assist the trim with the comfort, support and recovery effort. [Back to top]

My horse isn’t navicular or foundered. Can I still use the pads?
The System pads are used for more than just navicular, laminitis or founder; they are also great for cushioning the feet, bones, joints and muscles of virtually any horse being transported for any distance. The System pads are good options for old or arthritic horses. The foam rubber pads are able to cushion the jolting concussion as the horse walks, and are also able to provide a softer surface to stand on for those older horses that just refuse to lay down to take a load off their feet. The System pads are useful for providing comfort to horses suffering from an abscess. It’s very easy to modify the pads so that the foam can cushion and support the sole of the foot everywhere but where an abscess site is detected. In that case, it’s easy to cut out a hole where the abscess is located so that no pressure is placed on that soft, tender sore spot. In fact, HHP, due to their resilient nature, are able to apply pressure to all of the sole and, in effect, provide negative pressure over the abscess spot to allow for quicker movement of the abscess fluid to allow the fluid to drain quicker. [Back to top]

Are the pads only used for horses that are barefoot?
The System pads can be used in conjunction with shoes, however, only the 1/4" pads are recommended with shoes, and preferably only when a horse owner deems that they have no option of removing shoes to allow the feet to begin functioning and rebuilding. The System pads are intended to provide the maximum range of artificial stimulation to the sole, frog and bars of each foot, as well as the internal structures of the hoof capsule. Comfort and support are the primary purpose of HHP. [Back to top]

Do you have anything to help with transitioning from shoes to barefoot?
The System pads are great in aiding a horse while transitioning the horse from shoes. No horse should be expected to simply go straight from shoes to normal activity barefoot. Many people can’t go straight from shoes to any surface or activity being freshly out of shoes and a horse shouldn't be expected to either. But if a transition period is allowed and there is some logic and common sense to how the transition takes place, then a horse will be able to transition. This is all relative to how long the horse has been in shoes, how badly deteriorated the feet have become and how much damage has taken place, but the horse can transition back none the less. It's simply a matter of time, common sense and empathetic understanding. This is where boots and The System pads can help. They will each allow the feet to be protected at the times they are needed most and the pads help with circulation, stimulation, comfort and support. They are not to be left on forever, but they may be helpful more in the beginning of the transition / rehab period and should be used less and less, in affect weaning the horse off of the pads, as time goes on. [Back to top]

How can I cut the pads?
The System pads are easily trimmed to shape with scissors, a razor knife or a bread knife. They can be ordered in standard American horseshoe sizes. [Back to top]

How do I know what size to purchase?
From the bottom of the hoof measure the widest width from side to side and heal to toe. If your horse isn’t comfortable to stand with one leg up to measure the hoof then walk the horse onto a piece of paper and trace the outline of the hoof wall.  Once you have measured both the width and length you can see with pad will best suit your horses hoof.  The sizes are small 4-3/4 x 5 inches, medium 5-1/4 x 5 ½ inches and large 5-1/2 x 6 inches.  If your horse as the exact measurements as the pad then go one size up. [Back to top]

Can this make my horse feel too good?
Yes.  Not all horses will be able to go out and run and play after the correct pad for the given situation is applied.  There are horses that do feel well enough to go out and run and play.  We don't want any horse that is recovering to be able to do this.  If your horse when on a lead line feels too good please lower the pad density by one or two.  If you are using an 8 lbs please try a 6 or 4 lbs. density.  You don’t want to create more damage by them going out and doing too much too soon. [Back to top]

Are the pads used one at a time?
The System pads may be used one pad at a time or stuck together to create a myriad of pad combinations ranging from a single 1/4" pad up to a single pad or combination of pads equaling 1". Stacking anything more than 1" and the horse will struggle to 'find the ground' and the pads will then defeat their purpose. If the horse cannot feel as though he's standing on soft, but firm ground, he will not appreciate the pads and will avoid them if at all possible. Pad combinations should therefore be kept to a maximum thickness of 1". [Back to top]

My horse is a pony/mini do I use the same pad densities?
The pads used for a pony are one less in density then what is used for a horse, generally.  Just like people they have their own comfort level.  But in general you will go one less density for a pony and two less for a mini.  [Back to top]

Please call or email if you have any other questions.