Will I need special tools to apply Slypner Horseshoes?
Not unless you want to. Some farriers choose to use an alternative hammer made of brass, leather, or plastic, but Slypners can be applied using traditional farrier tools. In fact, many farriers find that Slypners require fewer specialized tools than tradi-tional horseshoes. Since our shoes are cold shaped, they can be applied virtually any-where � no forge is necessary.

I've been shoeing horses with traditional shoes all my life. Will I have to learn something new?
Except for a brief familiarization with the product, there's really not that much to learn. The fact of the matter is that Slypners attract responsible hors-people, riders and trainers who are interested in providing their horses with the safest, most comfortable shoes available today.

An owner has asked me to put Slypner Horseshoes on a horse with navicular. Is this a good idea?
Yes. Slypner Athletic Horseshoes are good preventive health maintenance � shoeing the horse with Slypners protects the horse from further injuries caused by impact. Many riders and trainers can confirm that Slypners have enabled "sore" horses to resume their careers. Because Slypners dramatically reduce impact shock, it allows a tender joint or an inflamed tendon to heal without the added insult of reverberating hoof strikes that aggravate an already painful situation.

Will it be possible to adjust the shoes to fit different foot sizes and shapes?
In most cases, yes. Ordinary cold adjusting does not compromise the shoe. Dramatic reshaping can compromise the structural integrity of the system, and should be avoided. Since the shoes made for the hind hooves are narrower than those made for the fores, you might try shoeing your horse with four hind shoes.

I put Slypners on a trail horse for the first time six weeks ago. Today, during reshoeing, I notices lots of tiny cracks around the nail holes on the base shoe and I wasn't sure whether to reshoe him with it or not. What do these cracks mean?
You can help prevent cracks or fractures around the nail holes by being very careful not to overdrive the nails. Slypner nails should be driven until they just begin to snug against the plastic nail bushings in the nail hole. Driving them deeper causes stresses that lead to cracking. A few small cracks won't hurt the shoe, but if the cracks extend to the edge of the base shoe, you should discard it.

Yesterday, I applied my first set of Slypner Horseshoes. Today, the owner called to say the wearing soles are already wearing out - the metal tips are showing on the toes. What's going on? How long are these shoes supposed to last?
. Don't worry. When a horse is shod in Slypners for the first time, we think it's important for him or her to take a few hours to get used to new shoes � that's why we've designed the wearing sole with -a thin layer of polyurethane protection over the steel toe implant. When the hardened steel implant in the toe of the wearing sole becomes visible, your horse is ready to fully enjoy the benefits of his new Slypner Athletic Horseshoes!

Are there some horses who can't wear Slypner Horseshoes?
Sometimes. Horses that require low traction, like reining horses or some cutting horses cannot use our system. Some draft horses may have a foot too large to fit with the currently available sizes, and very small hooves, or unusually shaped hooves can be difficult to fit as well. Still, Slypner Athletic Horseshoes are the horseshoe of choice for many horse owners and most disciplines.

Slypner Athletic Horseshoes has a knowledgeable staff ready to answer any of your questions. Most people have no difficulties at all with Slypner Horseshoes once they familiarize themselves with the system. If you have further questions or special difficulties, call our service department at their toll-free number 1-800-759-7637.