Veterinary Product Review: Equine Balance Pads for Body Awareness and Control

As an equine veterinarian dedicated helping horses achieve optimal posture and balance, I'm always on the lookout for tools that can improve stability and comfort for my clients.

Enter Sure Foot Equine Stability Pads, a product specifically designed to enhance equine core stability and proprioception. SureFoot Equine Stability Pads work by creating slight instability under the horse's feet, prompting the horse’s body to engage its core and stabilizing muscles to maintain balance. This process, known as proprioception, helps the horse become more aware of its body positioning and weight distribution. When a horse stands on these pads, the subtle shifting encourages deeper muscles, like the multifidus and iliopsoas, to activate and support the spine and posture. Over time, this improved engagement can lead to better alignment, stronger core stability, and enhanced coordination.

The pads are available in different densities, ranging from soft to firm, allowing customization based on the horse’s needs and level of experience. Softer pads offer more movement, increasing the proprioceptive challenge, while firmer pads provide a more stable base for horses who are just beginning with balance work. Using Sure Foot Pads regularly, even just a few minutes per session, can help horses release tension, improve their postural alignment, and enhance muscle activation, leading to better overall balance and physical resilience. Unlike other products that aren't sturdy or durable enough for everyday use, these pads have been a game-changer in my practice, offering significant benefits that can be felt almost immediately. In this review, I’ll dive into my experience with Sure Foot Pads, highlighting their usability, effectiveness, and value for equine care.

Why is Promoting Stability in Our Equine Athletes Important?

Joint stabilization provided by healthy tendons and ligaments are essential for protecting against injury, and ensuring efficient movement. Stabilizing muscles and ligaments help distribute concussive forces evenly, reducing wear and tear on cartilage and preventing compensatory movement that can lead to further strain. Stabilized joints promote optimal function, reduce the risk of long-term damage, and support peak performance. Keeping the these ligaments and posture muscles active and strong is crucial for overall mobility and health.

First Impressions of SureFoot Pads

Upon unboxing, I was struck by the solid construction and thoughtfully designed texture of the Sure Foot Pads. Available in various densities, each type of pad is built to accommodate a horse’s unique balance needs, making it possible to tailor a program for any horse’s comfort level. The pads come in an easy-to-clean, durable material that holds up well to the weight of the horse while still providing the slight give necessary for improved proprioception.

How to Use SureFoot Pads for Best Results

Using Sure Foot Pads is as simple as placing them on a level surface and inviting the horse to step up. I often integrate them into my sessions to improve postural alignment following a chiropractic adjustment. Once the horse becomes accustomed to the pads, I encourage owners to incorporate gentle weight-shifting exercises to enhance balance and proprioception. Each type of Sure Foot Pad offers unique benefits depending on the horse’s needs and level of experience.

• Hard Pads: This is the most stable option in the Sure Foot range. Unlike other pads, it has no lateral give, making it ideal for assessing how a horse distributes weight across different structures of the hoof’s frog, heel, bars, and wall. Normally, we don’t get to see how a hoof truly interacts with the ground because footing often conforms to the hoof’s shape. On a rigid surface like a barn aisle, the hoof capsule adjusts to the hardness, potentially stressing internal structures. The hard pad, however, subtly yields under pressure, allowing the hoof to find its natural balance, which can provide key indicators for postural adjustments. The hard pad is a good starting point for anxious or weak horses, those rehabilitating from injury, or those returning to work after a long break. It provides stability without excessive movement, preventing the horse from being overtaxed in the beginning.

• Firm Pads: Generally considered the go-to starter pad, the firm pad offers a balance of support and give, making it a great introduction to the Sure Foot system for most horses. It allows the horse to begin engaging with the pads without too much instability while still encouraging proprioceptive feedback.

• Medium Pads: These springy pads are a great option for horses that tend to move a bit flat or those ready for a greater challenge in their balance work. Riders often enjoy standing on the medium pads themselves to experience the dynamic spring effect. While some horses may find them a bit too stimulating at first, they can be a great progression once a horse has adjusted to the more stable hard or firm pads.

• Soft Pads: With the most lateral give of all the Sure Foot pads, the soft pad yields quickly under the horse’s weight, allowing them to sink in much like stepping into a pair of cozy slippers. Horses often recognize the comfort of these pads immediately. Because of their softness, they are not ideal for nervous or anxious horses who need a more stable starting point. Instead, horses showing signs of discomfort, sore hooves, or general body tension may benefit from the soft pads early in the process. However, they are not recommended for soft tissue injuries due to the degree of instability they introduce. In cases involving injury or chronic pain, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before beginning a Sure Foot program.

• Slant Pads: Unlike the other pads, the slant changes the angulation of the limb joints, making it a valuable tool for horses with specific issues such as laminitis, navicular syndrome, arthritis, stringhalt, shoulder or pelvic injuries, or stifle concerns. The slant pad’s ability to alter limb positioning can provide relief and support during rehabilitation or general bodywork sessions.

With just a few minutes on the pads, I’ve observed horses visibly relax and start engaging their core and balance muscles.

Pros and Cons of SureFoot Pads

Pros:

• Effective Core Engagement: SureFoot Pads stimulate and strengthen the stabilizing muscles around the spine, which helps enhance posture and balance.

• Versatile for All Horses: Available in different densities, so there’s a suitable option for every horse, from beginners to seasoned athletes.

• Ease of Use: Easy to incorporate into a daily routine with minimal effort; ideal for both professional and at-home use.

• Durable and Safe: High-quality material ensures longevity and safety during use, even with larger breeds.

Cons:

• Initial Cost: The investment can be on the higher side, which might be a consideration for some owners.

• Requires Supervision: While generally easy to use, horses should be supervised during the first few sessions to avoid misuse or injury.

  
  

Overall I recommend the SureFoot Pads for anyone looking to support their horse’s core strength, proprioception, and balance. This product delivers on its promises and offers excellent value for the results it provides. For me, the benefits of using SureFoot Pads far outweigh the cost!