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Stephan's idea of the modern horse's foot biodynamics is based on a simple concept: the horse's feet are built to support his own weight in his daily routine. In the horse's natural environment, this is to feed, to drink and to function within a herd hierarchy. However, the modern horse is asked to carry the extra weight of rider and tack, as well as exercise in ways they would not, if they weren't ridden. Stephan's shoeing system is based on observing thousands of horses all over the world. His conclusion is that the modern horse needs more foot support.

We have been trained to shoe horses exclusively on wall support, without much consideration given to the most important part of the hoof dynamic: the frog, the bars and the sole. Allowing the palmar surface to support the weight is the most natural and efficient way to help a horse.

With the eponashoe, the glue (if necessary), the packing and good break-over, Stephan is duplicating a shoeing that is as close as it can be to the barefoot dynamic. The hoof can flex and also have a considerable ground surface for cushion and support. The key is to restore the balance.

The original combination of his trimming method and the use of eponashoe allow Stephan to prevent or heal mostly all lameness and/or deformities on horse’s feet such as:

• navicular syndrome
• ring bone
• side bone
• laminitis
• sore sole
• drop sole
• gate irregularities
• contracted heels
• long toe
• ligament injuries
• extreme riding
• and prevention from injuries.

The choice of plastic shoes allow the shoe:

• to flex with the hoof
• to give more support then a basic shoe
• to give more cushion to the leg
• allow the natural amortissement system of the leg to function
• stay light on the leg
• to break over easily

The combination of shoe and glue is a great help in rebuilding and supporting weak heels and also to spread the load on the palmar surface.

A packing is apply on the sole to release the stress and the extra weight from the hoof wall.

When glued on, the shoe is more like a hoof extension

Stephan is using metron software to analyze x-rays and feet pictures, and to create a report for each foot.