Glushu for Laminitis Temporary Support Before Returning to Barefoot

Laminitis creates a difficult hoof-care balance. A horse may need extra protection and support while the hoof recovers, but the owner and farrier may not want to nail on a shoe, especially when the horse is normally barefoot.

That was the situation shared by expert farrier Huf Reha Team, who used Glushu as a temporary glue-on option for a barefoot horse dealing with thin soles, laminitis, and sole bruising.

From Huf-Reha Team

“This is our lovely barefoot client who is having trouble with thin soles, laminitis and sole bruising. The horse is usually  barefoot we did not want to compromise the hoof.

As Glushu is completely non invasive we always use them in this situation. We find the temporary permanence much better than wearing hoof boots 24/7

It’s just great that there’s an option to glue on shoes, because it allows the horse to go barefoot again immediately once the hooves have recovered from the laminitic episode.

Glushu all the way!”

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That phrase, temporary permanence, explains the appeal well. Hoof boots can be very useful, but not every horse or management setup suits boots around the clock. Boots can shift, rub, trap moisture, or need frequent handling depending on the horse and environment. A properly applied glue-on shoe can stay in place for a set period while the hoof is supported.

For this horse, the farrier’s aim was not permanent shoeing. It was protection during recovery, with a clear path back to barefoot.

How Glushu fits into laminitis recovery management

Laminitis care is never just about what goes on the hoof. It often involves diet changes, medication or pain relief from a veterinarian, controlled movement, diagnostic imaging when needed, and a farrier plan that matches the horse’s stage of recovery.

Within that plan, Glushu can help in cases where the farrier wants a shoe that is:

• Non-invasive

• Nail-free

• More secure than a removable boot for continuous wear

• Temporary enough to support a return to barefoot

  
  

For the Huf Reha Team case, the horse was described as a barefoot client first. That matters. The shoe was not used to replace barefoot management permanently. It was used to protect the hoof while the horse was going through a laminitic episode and dealing with sore, thin soles.

The main lesson from this farrier review is simple: temporary support does not have to mean compromising the barefoot plan. In the right case, Glushu can give the horse protection when it needs it and freedom to go barefoot again when the hoof is ready.

If you would like to try Glushu for your horse, ask your farrier whether it is suitable for the hoof condition and laminitis management plan. Glushu is available through our online store and local farrier supply shops.

If you have any questions about Glushu please email sue@glushu.com for support.