How does the innovative Cytek horseshoe bring about the observed benefits?

The Cytek horseshoe helps prevent the most common lesions in the equine foot, such as for instance navicular syndrome, inflammation of the suspensory ligament, arthrosis and others, is due to both the innovative features of the shoe itself and the specific fitting of the shoe.

Central to the Cytek horseshoeing system is the fact that the point of break over in the equine foot lies exactly at the tip of the hoof bone itself. The shoes unique design supports the hoof bone itself, and the shoe is fitted in such a way that the lower edge of the beveling lines up exactly with the tip of the hoof bone. In other words, the Cytek horseshoeing system will consistently be placed further back than the rim shoe and in direct relationship with the tip of the hoof bone. This creates the Cytek hallmark, a rounded toe, which permits the horse to wear down the “toe” of the hoof as it walks. The hoof is trimmed in such a way that the hoof tissues, including the sensitive parts of the hoof, can recover their normal metabolism and un-physiological mechanical forces are simply eliminated by trimming the hoof wall to the same level as the sole and trimming off the long toe so that excessive tension is relieved from the sensitive laminae. These very simple steps help the horse recover its natural anatomical axis so that the passive stay apparatus can function correctly. This in turn will alleviate joint surfaces, tendons and muscles from excessive weight bearing, which otherwise would be exposed to long term damaging lesions.

The Cytek horseshoeing system also provides maximum protection for the sole of the hoof, as well as other vulnerable structures inside the hoof capsule.

The Cytek horseshoeing system is also the only system that recognizes that excessive growth of the toe, elevated heels and excessive trimming of the frog will negatively affect hoof integrity and equine biomechanics and – ultimately – athletic performance.

Excessive hoof tissue will also distort the shape of the hoof capsule, which predisposes the horse to develop most of the common hoof problems that horse owners frequently struggle with. A long “toe” will act as a lever, and will in effect tear at the laminar junction in the hoof wall, and can create very painful lesions in this very sensitive part of the hoof.

The custom of trimming the frog is not supported by science, and can lead to loss of frog function. The frog is involved in shock absorption and venous blood reflux, and a loss of this these fundamental functions of the frog could lead to reduced supply of nutrients to sensitive tissues inside the hoof capsule and improper loading on such vulnerable structures as the navicular bone. Also, loss of frog function is the cause of thrush infection.

Finally, excessive hoof tissue will predispose the hoof to loss of physical integrity and lead to cracks, white line disease, corns, hematomas and abscesses.