Gluing Tips for the MPGo

MPGo Fit

1.  Check the fit of the MPGo:

        a) hoof should seat snugly down into the MPGo. 

        b) ideally, the sides of the MPGo should contour up onto the sides of the hoof wall.

        c) the back of the MPGo should fit below the hairline and be close up to the horn of  the heels.

2.  Fit is very important to the success of the application. 

        a) You may need to rasp the hoof wall a little if the sides of the MPGo are not lying flat against the sides of the hoof wall. 

        b) You may also need to cut down the back of the MPGo with a pair of hoof trimming nippers so that the back of the MPGo contours to the back of your horse's hoof (below the hairline) in a snug close fit.  Heel height differences in horses affects the fit of the MPGo in the back - the closer the fit, the better.

Gluing preparation

1.  View the DVD from Vettec for instructions on using their glues.

2.  Make sure the hoof is clean and dry for the best bond.  This is VERY important.  Blow dry the hoof with a blow drier on all surfaces that are going to accept the glue.  Don't touch hoof with your bare hand as the oils on your skin will stop the glue from sticking.

3.  Don't let the horse move while the glue is curing. If the glue is partially hardened and the horse pivots on the foot, then this can weaken the bond.

4.  With practice the gluing will become easy and quick.  For the first few applications, have a helper with you.

MPGo Application

MPGo Standard Application - trail, week-end, dressage

MPGo Extreme Application - endurance, jumping, reining

MPGo Light Application - transition, rehabilitation

MPGo Soleguard Gluing Sheet

 

First, place duct tape strips over the holes in the MPGo.  This prevents any loss of glue before the glue has set.

MPGo Standard Application

example: Week-end, Trail, Dressage

Using SoleGuard glue, run two beads of glue along the toe area and then carry on to zigzag a bead of glue over the entire bottom of the inside of the MPGo.  Place the MPGo onto the hoof inserting the toe of the hoof first and then let the horse step down into the MPGo.  You will see some glue squeeze out of the top of the toe area.  Wipe the excess neatly off with your rubber glove.  Next open the sides of the MPGo and insert mixing tip down into the bottom lifting the mixing tip up and out of the side as you go, filling the sides completely.  Allow the side of the MPGo to conform back onto the hoof wall.  You will again need to wipe of the excess that squeezes out.  On some occasions (depending on fit), the sides may need to held onto the hoof wall for the few minutes that it will take for the glue to completely cure.

MPGo Extreme Application

example: Jumping, Endurance, Reining

For intense sports such as endurance and jumping, make sure, for the best possible bond, that the glue fills in all of the spaces between all of the hoof surfaces and the MPGo.  Air spaces will decrease the bond longevity. 

To achieve this use the glue holes in the bottom of the MPGo.  First, squirt two beads of glue around the inside of the MPGo where the sole and the sides of the MPGo meet.  Put the MPGo on the hoof.  Second, insert glue into the glue holes in the bottom of the MPGo.  This glue will move up into the sole vault and into the grooves.  The more concavity that your horse has, the more glue you will use.  Third, insert glue into the sides from the top or the side or both.  Finish by checking for any missed spaces.

NOTE:  STUDS, ROAD NAILS, SLIDERS

When choosing to use the studs, road nails or sliders (for the MPGo Slider only) place duct tape tabs over the sole screw holes before gluing on the MPGo, to prevent glue from running into the screw holes.  For easy removal and insertion of the studs, sole screws or road nails, lightly oil the threads of the studs, sole screws or road nails with 10/30 or vegetable oil.

Concussion Pad Option

We have found that some jumpers do very well with a concussion glue pad.   You may wish to choose the optional concussion glue pad for more sensitive soled horses, also.

To make a gel glue pad, a shaped sheet of lexan (for the MPGo size you are using) is taped to the bottom of the hoof.  Vettec EquiPak glue is inserted into the holes and forms to the sole vault to provide a custom fitted pad, much like the mud wads that accumulate in the bottom of a horse's hoof in certain conditions. Once you have made the gel pad, glue on the MPGo using the MPGo Standard Application.

Below is a photograph of a used gel glue pad which has been taken out of a used MPGo.

 MPGo Light Application

example: Rehabilitation, Transition

For light use of the MPGo, do not put glue over the slotted bottom of the MPGo.  You will just need to place the glue along the toe area and on the side flaps.  This will be a very mild bond which allows horses the freedom to be comfortable to move around at will while in rehabilitation or transition from metal shoes. It stays on under light use conditions, yet is very easily removed for trimming or checking the hoof.

This MPGo (pictured below) has been used several times.  From the previous use, the glue has been cleaned out and new tape tabs are applied over the glue holes. 

MPGo Removal and Clean Up

Pop the sides of the MPGo away from the hoof wall with a screw driver or hoof pick.  Be careful not to pry directly on the hoof wall which may cause bruising.  You will hear a snapping sound which is the break in the bond.  Once you have released the sides and around the back as far as possible, lift the hoof and pull the MPGo off.

To clean out the glue from inside the boot, use a screw driver to pop the glue free.  The process could take anywhere from 10 minutes to 20 minutes.