- 1. What's the difference between a Cytek shoe and a traditional rim shoe?
- A traditional rim shoe is shaped and fitted to a specific horse's hoof wall. By its very nature the traditional rim shoe introduces potential problems. Renowned traditional farrier, Simon Curtis FWCF, observes these issues in his book Corrective Farriery- A Textbook of Remedial Horseshoeing Vol. 1: "Purely by placing a traditional shoe onto the balanced foot of a horse, we unbalance it. The breakover point is moved away from the tip of the coffin bone and thereafter the relationship of the heel as the caudal point of support is altered. In the natural environment, the horse wears the foot evenly while rolling the toe. When the traditional farrier attaches a traditional shoe, the wear pattern of the foot is reversed. The toe is then protected and allowed to grow long and the heels wear away by expansion against the shoe. The hoof grows down at the angle of the horn tubules, not to the limb from the day it is fitted. The perfect shoeing is out of balance within a few days." Even the finest of traditional farriers cannot consistently overcome all the deficiencies that are inherent with the use of rim shoes.
…Purely by placing a traditional shoe onto the balanced foot of a horse, we unbalance it…
The Cytek shoe is designed to prevent and correct the many problems associated with the traditional rim shoe. By using the blueprint provided by the feral horse, the Cytek shoe accommodates the need to roll the toe while providing natural support for the coffin bone (P3). In this way, proper breakover and balance is maintained while providing correct support for the limb above. The Cytek shoe also accommodates correct support and protection of the sole encouraging healthy growth. In turn, the frog is able to grow and function as it was designed. A horse properly shod with Cytek shoes will be much more likely to maintain a healthy hoof capsule and adjoining structures than a horse shod with traditional rim shoes.
In addition, Cytek Horseshoeing uses a shoe that fits cold. This means no fires, anvils and time taken for shaping metal. Cytek can do this by providing several shoe sizes. The size and breed of the horse and a proper hoof assessment determines which Cytek shoe is applied. Since the hoof anatomy and physiology of horses is relatively consistent, no customized sizing is necessary.
- 2. Why have I never heard of Cytek Horseshoeing?
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This is a good question and there are several reasons. The adoption of any sound innovation takes time and there are many factors to overcome.
One of the biggest factors is tradition - the way it's always been done. The truth is that centuries ago highly customized shoes did look and function similarly to the Cytek shoe. It has only been in more recent history with the industrial revolution and the mass production of cheap materials that the rim shoe has gained popularity. Add to this the training of war-time farriers whose main concern was the logistics of efficiently shoeing what were essentially disposable horses. The anatomy of the horse and its longevity were not primary considerations. In the hectic turmoil of today's world, the tradition of shaping a hot shoe with the clang of the anvil, and flying sparks has a wonderful nostalgic appeal. There are many fine traditional farriers who can work wonders within the limitations of the old technology, but when it comes to the health of the horse, the traditional rim shoe can simply not compete with a Cytek shoe.…when it comes to the health of the horse, the traditional rim shoe can simply not compete with a Cytek shoe…
Another factor is economics. Many people naturally resist change and if a business is profitable, the need to adopt a new system and the training associated with it is not a priority. As the success of the early adopters of the Cytek system becomes better documented and as happy customers spread the word, more horse care professionals and owners will recognize Cytek as a valuable solution to the hoof-care problems they face.
Though Cytek shoes have been around for over ten years, they have not been available on the open market. Comprehensive information and marketing have not been available. Cytek USA was incorporated in 2005 in large part to more effectively spread the word of the great benefits of the Cytek Horseshoeing System.
- 3. My farrier/vet says that Cytek shoes cause problems.
- An improperly fitted Cytek shoe can cause problems like any improperly fitted shoe. Unlike traditional rim shoes, however, Cytek shoes are designed with the horse's correct anatomy and physiology in mind. When properly fitted, Cytek shoes prevent or help correct most foot problems. Horse care professionals who actually take the time to understand the Cytek System will acknowledge that it is an effective solution based on sound science. In defense of your farrier or vet, though, there hasn't been much comprehensive information available about Cytek until now.
We welcome all inquiries from farriers, vets and owners. If there is a Cytek farrier in your area, we can help arrange a meeting to help you better understand the system and perhaps add Cytek shoes to your hoof care solutions. Click here to see a list of Cytek Farriers.
- 4. How can I help my farrier or vet to become properly informed about Cytek Horseshoeing?
- Cytek workshops or clinics are a good way to become properly informed about Cytek Horseshoeing. If you would like to attend a workshop, please send a Contact Form to Cytek USA. Clinics need no reservations. If you would like to host a workshop or clinic for your area, please send your information on a contact form and you will be contacted you with more details.
- 5. What training is available for Cytek Horseshoeing in America?
- For the professional farrier, there will be a DVD available that provides basic guidelines for the application of Cytek Horseshoes. While this can get experienced farriers started, it is highly recommended that they seek a broader knowledge of the system through additional training.
Cytek Horseshoeing in America has 4 levels of training available. These levels are listed and explained under our Training page. Farriers that have attended and completed our workshops will receive a certification for the level completed. There are also owner hoof-trimming workshops which will educate owners who would like to trim their own animals. These workshops will also be listed on the site. Owner workshops can be scheduled for your area by contacting Cytek USA.
- 6. I heard that the Cytek shoe is just a copy of the Natural Balance (NB) shoe.
- Actually the Cytek shoe came out a little before NB. Those who are knowledgeable about both systems realize they bear no comparison.
- 7. How do I get Cytek Horseshoes?
- Cytek horseshoes can be purchased through Cytek USA Inc.
Please Contact Us online or mail inquiries to:
Cytek USA Inc.
346 Nursery Lane
Mayport, Pa. 16240
(814) 541-0605
e-mail contact@cytekhorseshoeing.com
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