FLEX-STEP Horseshoes are designed to provide outstanding traction for good lift-off and thrust on almost any kind of surface.  The synthetic elastomeric material, and practical tread patterns, provide a balance of traction and shock absorption.  There are also tread patterns to aid in foot and leg control, and action on varied surfaces (ranging from mud to pavement).

CONCUSSION AND SHOCK REDUCTION
     FLEX-STEP shoes can reduce the shock on your horse's feet and legs.  Figures 3 and 4 show shock data on a FLEX-STEP horseshoe and a steel shoe under identical conditions.  At the levels tested, the FLEX-STEP horseshoe achieves a 75% reduction in shock.



A NATURAL SHOE FOR "NATURAL" SURFACES
     FLEX-STEP Horseshoes are sized and patterned so that they can be fit to your horse to permit natural action on "natural" surfaces such as soft dirt and grass.  Figure 5 shows a FLEX-STEP horseshoe properly fitted to permit natural action.  By fitting the shoe so that the outside edge follows the slope of the horse's hoof, this creates a sharp edge at the juncture of the bottom of the shoe with the outside edge of the shoe.  The front edge of the shoe and foot will cut into a soft surface, resulting in the shifting of the pivot point aft along the bottom of the horse's foot.  This allows for easy, natural breakover, and minimizes stress to the foot and leg.  In the case of lift-off and thrust with the hind feet, this action will also provide outstanding traction for speed and performance.



A NATURAL SHOE FOR HARD SURFACES
     The natural cutting action of a sharp-edged shoe will not be the same on hard, tough surfaces.  This will lead to maximum stress being imposed on the horse's foot and leg.  However, proper fitting of FLEX-STEP Horseshoe patterns will afford a more natural action on hard or artificial surfaces such as hard dirt, pavement, and tartan.  Figure 6 shows such fitting on the forefront of a horse with a rounded section on the toe.  This fitting provides easy foot and leg action; together with good traction.  The rounded toe also provides a rocker action; making continued breakover easy.  The naturally resilient material and traction patterns provide good grip on hard surfaces to minimize slippage of the foot, and allowing controlled action for normal leg action and breakover.