Vibram Also Unveils Unique Rubber Draft Pads

North Brookfield, MA, August 4, 2009 – Vibram is enhancing its line of rubber hoof pad products with the addition of a two-degree wedge pad. Uniquely designed with a cushioned heel, the wedge pad can be used to help treat a number of conditions including: medial-lateral imbalance, navicular disease and laminitis. The company is also announcing the development of a variety of rubber draft pads. The pads are designed by Quabaug Corporation, the exclusive North American manufacturing licensee for Vibram.

“The new wedge pad was designed in response to demand from farriers for a firm, long-lasting, but forgiving, tool with cushioning in the heel area,” said Chris Favreau, vice president of technical development at Quabaug Corporation. “It’s an innovative, therapeutic solution that can improve hoof health.”

“I have found Vibram hoof pads to provide excellent relief from concussive forces while remaining durable enough to reset multiple times,” explained Nicholas B. Denson, CJF, FWCF., owner of Denson’s Farrier Service, Sagamore Beach, MA.

The two-degree wedge pads provide a two-degree lift in the heel area to offer support and reduction of concussive forces for conditions where bruising or bone degeneration is occurring. Vibram pads are made with a unique process that bonds two layers of resilient Vibram rubber together, with each layer playing a different role in absorbing and distributing the concussive forces that the hoof experiences on impact. In the two-degree wedge pad product, the heel area utilizes a softer compound for cushioning while the remainder of the pad consists of a firmer compound, providing support against pad extrusion and a base for superior nail holding power. All Vibram hoof pads also feature a textured surface that makes it easier for farriers to handle and install without slippage.

“Our wear testers were able to reset the pad and found that it reduced the crushing in of the horses’ heels, demonstrating superior durability and functionality over traditional plastic and leather wedge pads.” explained Kevin Donahue Jr., sales and marketing, Vibram Hoof Pads, at Quabaug.

Vibram will also be releasing four heavy draft pads: a small heavy draft (9x9, single compound), large heavy draft (9x12, single compound), small heavy cushion draft (9x9 dual durometer/two compound) and large heavy cushion draft (9x12 dual durometer). Heavy draft pads are designed for large commercial and working horses such as Belgians, Percherons, Clydesdales, Irish Draughts and Shire horses. The rubber pads offer many advantages over the traditional leather or plastic: it won’t deteriorate due to moisture; it will not take a heavy compression set; and the pad can be reset. Despite its resistance to compression, the new draft pad still retains resiliency and can be used to provide cushion. Like all the pads in the Vibram line, the draft pads utilize rubber compounds that are resistant to oil and ammonia.

Vibram hoof pads are being sold through farrier suppliers. Quabaug Corporation is actively seeking additional distribution. For a sample kit or to inquire about distributor opportunities, please contact Kevin Donahue at 800.325.5022, ext. 130, or at kevind@vibram.us.