Double S Wedged Heart Bar by Mustad

The Double S Wedged Heart Bar shoe from Mustad is engineered as a heart-bar design with a built-in wedge to incline the hoof slightly and transfer load toward the frog and bars. This results in improved hoof biomechanics, facilitating better shock absorption, heel support and more upright hoof placement, especially valuable in corrective shoeing scenarios. According to reference data for the Wedged Heart Bar series, such footwear offers a “three-degree wedge for enhanced frog support and improved hoof balance”. The THREE variants (000, 1 and 2) allow farriers to select the correct size or specification according to the horse’s anatomy and pathomechanics (Heart Bar 1: a standard size; Heart Bar 2: often the next size up or with side-clip option). This aids precision in therapeutic or performance shoeing programmes.

Usage

Target Species: Horses (particularly those needing therapeutic front-shoeing, corrective farriery, or enhanced heel and frog engagement)

Application: Used when addressing hoof conditions such as underrun heels, collapsed frogs, or horses requiring increased frog pressure and enhanced heel support.

• Suitable for sport horses, racehorses, or performance horses under intensive or corrective shoeing programmes.

Method:

• Select the appropriate version (Heart Bar 000, 1 or 2) based on the horse’s hoof size, shape and the farrier’s assessment.

• Prepare the hoof by trimming and balancing according to best farriery practice.

• Fit the wedged heart bar shoe, ensuring the wedge aligns correctly, and the frog bar (or plate) contacts the frog properly without interfering.

• Nail/clip the shoe securely, check the fit and ensure the shoe setup supports the intended hoof mechanics.

• After shoeing, monitor the horse’s response, check for improved break-over, frog engagement, heel contact and comfort under load.

• During use, inspect for wear, shoe fit, clinch security and signs of movement; reshoe as required.

Frequency:

• Suitable for each shoeing or reshoeing cycle where therapeutic heart bar correction is required.

• Regular farrier inspection recommended (e.g., every 4–6 weeks) to ensure fit and performance remain optimal.

Features and Benefits

• Wedged heart-bar design (≈ 3° incline): Helps redirect load toward the frog and bars, promoting improved hoof balance and supporting heel/frog engagement.

• Heart bar contact on the frog area: Offers comfort to the horse by spreading weight and supporting hoof structures, aiding performance and soundness.

• Therapeutic shoe category: Suitable for corrective shoeing in sport and performance horses requiring enhanced hoof support and stability.

• Versioning (Heart Bar 000, 1 & 2): Allows finer sizing and specification to match the horse’s anatomical and therapeutic needs.

• Trusted brand (Mustad): Farrier standard shoe manufacturer with a global reputation, ensuring product quality and fit.