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4 Key Benefits Of Copper Coated Horseshoes & Nails
Over the last few years there has been a noticeable rise in the popularity of copper coated horseshoes and nails as an alternative to the traditional steel products.
Farriers and owners have reported multiple key benefits of copper coated horseshoes and nails over steel for hoof health and ease of use.
π 1. Copper is well known for its anti-microbial properties
Copper has long been recognised for its natural and long lasting anti-microbial properties, which steel does not have.
Copper coated horseshoes and nails are therefore anti-microbial, able to kill any bacteria, fungi or yeasts that may be present and cause infection in the hoof.
Farriers that have made the switch over to copper products, particularly copper coated nails, have noticed a significant improvement in hoof health.
When a shoeing nail is driven into the hoof the holes provide the perfect passage for microbes from the ground to enter the hoof wall. This can lead to weakening of the hoof wall and problems including abscesses, white line disease and seedy toe.
Incidences of infection have been noted to have reduced with the use of copper coated shoes and nails. Overall hoof strength is also improved because there is no microbial decay in the hoof wall that is commonly seen around nail holes.
π₯ 2. Copper coated nails are more easily driven into the hoof wall
A copper coated nail is much smoother and sharper than plain steel, making it is a lot easier to hammer into the hoof wall. As a result, copper coated nails cause a lot less damage to the horn material inside the hoof wall.
Because the nail tips are extremely sharp this also means that copper coated nails cause less chipping to the outside of the hoof than steel.
Along with the anti-microbial benefits this results in a much healthier hoof, with less chance of the structure of the hoof being compromised from chipping and interior horn damage as is seen from repetitive use of steel nails.
π 3. Copper coated nails and horseshoes do not rust
Horseshoes and nails made from steel will slowly rust over the weeks that they are in use, contributing to deterioration of the hoof wall.
Copper coated shoes and nails will not rust and the copper coating remains intact and effective for the whole shoeing cycle.
Therefore, in addition to the ongoing ability to prevent infection, copper coated shoes and nails avoid the extra hoof damage often caused by rusted steel on and inside the hoof.
π¦ 4. They help to fight the growth in anti-biotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem facing both humans and animals. The overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics is leading to stronger bacteria and ineffective medicines.
Using copper coated horse shoes and nails is an effective and natural method to fight common infections in the hoof without having to use expensive prescribed antibiotics.
Any reduction in the use of antibiotics is a great way to help prevent resistance from developing. In the long term this will mean that antibiotic use will still be effective in cases where they are really needed.
