HOT PROFILE THIS MONTH - MAY 2005

This month we talk to Bronwyn Daube who has introduced the Cytek Shoeing system to New Zealand. We discover the ideas behind this revolutionary concept for shoeing horses that is taking off overseas.

SHNZ: How did you get involved with the Cytek shoeing system?
Bronwyn: I became involved with Cytek out of desperation, I had a 5 year old thoroughbred who had never raced and I was faced with having to put him down after exhausting every possible avenue of expertise to help him. None of his hooves were good but his off fore was particularly bad in that it was run forward with completely collapsed heels, this hoof was 5 & ¾ inches wide. He had been lame for 2 years and I couldn't bare to see him in this state any more and decided to have him put down. Being very upset with this decision I searched the internet for a solution and came across Cytek. Cytek sounded like it could help my horse. I flew an Australian over to shoe him a few days later and within two weeks my horse was sound and was a much happier horse in terms of his temperament and eye, he looked relieved. His behavioral patterns changed overnight. His comfort and relief was immediate although it did take 18 months - 2 years for him to grow a stronger and healthier hoof because of the extent of his problems.

Above: Traditional shoeing at 5 weeks. No heel support present ("Lofty" 07/02/03.)	Above: Cytek Day One. Note heel support and ability to under shoe flaring

SHNZ: What is the basic philosophy behind Cytek shoes?
Bronwyn: To create a shoe that allows the horse's foot to function as nature intended. Also to design a shoe that supports the pedal bone, while affording natural hoof growth, foot function, balance and movement. Cytek is the worlds most advanced shoeing system. Cytek is correct shoeing NOT corrective shoeing.

SHNZ: How long has this type of shoeing been available and where is it used?
Bronwyn: There was many years of research in different countries around the world with varying climatic conditions before the shoe became available. It first became available in 1997 in the UK. Cytek is a revolutionary concept because it was specifically designed to be a non-adjustable shoe. Only farriers who have attended Cytek training can purchase and apply Cytek shoes. It is being used in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and is having phenomenal success in the USA.

Photos above: These pictures show a badly flared and distorted hoof capsule during conversion from traditional shoeing to Cytek, notice the bruising in the toe area which is caused by the long toe and conventional shoe. You can see the full support that the Cytek shoe design and application gives the hoof. The unique design of the Cytek shoe has allowed this hoof to be under shod therefore no longer supporting the flare. Continued support of this flaring with traditional farriery methods enables it to worsen.

SHNZ: What are some of the benefits of shoeing/trimming your horse this way compared to conventional methods?
Bronwyn:

• Correct break over and hoof balance
• Pedal bone and heel support

Which results in;

• Better hoof quality - thicker walls and soles
• Freedom of movement
• Muscle development through the topline
• Calmer disposition
• Longer shoeing intervals
  

SHNZ: Are there any particular horse health/foot problems that Cytek shoeing has helped?
Bronwyn: Cytek relieves most lameness problems with drastic results in horses/ponies with founder, laminitis, pedolostitis, navicular disesase, collapsed & contracted heels. Cytek is not a miracle shoe and won't fix a broken horse but provides the correct break over, balance and support required to perform to the best of his natural ability.

SHNZ: How do Cytek shoes compare with conventional shoes with regards to wear and price?
Bronwyn: A Cytek application is more expensive than a traditional application. In horses with good feet a horse can go 8-10 weeks without detriment to the horse as Cytek allows the horse to regulate his own hoof growth. Horses shod traditionally on average last 4-5 weeks and the hoof grows in length and becomes very unbalanced. Cytek is more economical than traditional farriery and far outweighs traditional farriery in the benefits it can offer you and your horse. Riders notice dramatic improvements in their horses immediately.

Photos above: A horse that has been shod with Cytek for 2 years. Notice the thickness of the front wall and the upright walls without the flaring so often present in traditionally shod horses. Cytek provides full heel support.

SHNZ: Can any farrier fit Cytek shoes on my horse?
Bronwyn: No, a farrier must be trained to apply Cytek shoes and cannot purchase Cytek shoes until he has been trained. The Cytek system is revolutionary and considerably different to traditional farriery so farriers must be taught correct application of the shoes and the principles behind it. Cytek provides round the clock expertise, advice and support to Cytek farriers and their clients, this is unique in itself.

SHNZ: How do I get more information or contact my local Cytek farrier?
Bronwyn: More information can be found on the website www.cytekhorse.com or you can contact me, the New Zealand Distributor, Bronwyn Daube on 0275 413 555 or newzealand@cytekhorse.com
You can also contact Warren Cochrane, Approved Cytek Farrier in Christchurch on 027 228 7155.

Thanks Bronwyn!

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