rubber and leather padded shoeings

Question
QUESTION: hello sir, in horse racing, may i know when to use a rubber padded shoes on horses and when to use leather padded shoes on horses? how these both shoeings differ?

ANSWER: Hello Rohit,

Pad material is generally interchangeable; meaning you can use any material in any situation. There is an exception to this. If the horse is going to be exposed to a lot of water, then leather pads would not be good. The leather will soak up the water and swell in size and weight. When the leather dries out is will shrink.If this process occurs repeatedly it can cause the shoes to loosen. Plastic pads are the best in my opinion. They are easily shaped to the hoof and shoe. They come in a variety of thicknesses and with a variety of features.

Paul

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: sir, then what about rubber pads? here in indian horse racing, most of the trainers put on rubber pads as we race our horses on grass. only 2 pads are available in india. the leather and rubber pads.

Answer
Hello Rohit,

I would say you would have the same result with rubber as you would with plastic. In fact rubber may be better for racing. Rubber may increase traction if it has some sort of ridge pattern on the ground surface of the pad. Depending on the thickness of the pads, leather may provide more protection to the sole. Neither leather or rubber can be singled out as the only choice. This is left up to the judgement of the trainer or farrier.

Paul