|
| Product Focus: Soft Ride Orthotics Edition |
| Hello << Test First Name >>,
When it comes to equine comfort and support, not all hoof care solutions are created equal. That’s why Soft Ride offers a variety of orthotic inserts—each carefully designed to meet specific therapeutic and support needs. Whether your horse is recovering from laminitis, on stall rest, or traveling long distances, selecting the right orthotic can make all the difference in promoting soundness and overall wellbeing. Working with your vet and farrier can help you select what the best options are for your horse based on his soundness and specific podiatry needs.
In this newsletter, we’ll walk you through the different types of Soft Ride orthotics, explaining how each one functions and when it is most common and appropriate to use each type. From the versatile Standard Gel insert to specialized options like the dual density orthotics, we’ll help you match the right product to your horse’s needs with confidence and clarity.
Soft Ride Team |
| | |
| | The Standard Turquoise Orthotic is Soft Ride’s standard gel insert for boots sizes 2-7 which comes included with every Soft Ride boot purchase. It is the most durable of all Soft Ride orthotics, making it ideal for continuous, everyday use—even when worn 24/7. Designed for all-around comfort and support, the turquoise insert helps distribute weight evenly across the hoof, reducing pressure points and aiding in joint and tendon relief while the elevated frog support encourages frog first sequential loading and unloading to support vascular health. Its resilience and versatility make it a reliable choice for both therapeutic and routine hoof care situations.
Appropriate uses for the Standard Turquoise Orthotic: Hauling and trailering sound or tender horses Standing on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete or asphalt) Long-term stall rest or confinement Hoof tenderness or mild lameness General everyday use for comfort and support Preventative care for sound horses at high level competition Horses needing round-the-clock protection and cushioning Horses with thin soles
|
| | | |
| | The Specialty Purple Orthotic is Soft Ride’s softest and most comforting gel insert. Because it is the softest orthotic, it is designed as the standard orthotic for mini sized boots (8, 9, and 10). The Speciality Purple Orthotic is a neutral density from back to front with an elevated frog support to encourage frog first sequential loading and unloading to support vascular health. The ultra-soft composition makes it ideal for horses experiencing sore or sensitive feet due to navicular syndrome, thin soles, after intense workouts, or during recovery from hoof abscesses or stone bruising. The deep, cushiony gel allows the hoof to sink in as the horse shifts its weight, but reforms when unloaded, promoting increased blood flow to the sole and enhancing healing. This insert provides exceptional relief and comfort, making it a valuable therapeutic tool for managing hoof sensitivity.
Appropriate uses for the Specialty Purple Orthotic: Horses with navicular syndrome Horses that experience stinging or sore feet after exercise Hoof abscess treatment and recovery Horses suffering from stone bruising or a hot nail Promoting circulation in the sole of the hoof Horses with thin soles Long hauls or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods Horses needing extra-soft cushioning for short-term therapeutic use As a standard support option for mini horses or ponies with less overall bodyweight to engage the gel material (boot sizes 8–10)
|
| | | |
| | The Specialty Orange Orthotic from Soft Ride is a medium-density gel insert designed specifically for larger or heavier horses that require a softer, more conformable gel than the standard turquoise insert. The Specialty Orange Orthotic is an acceptable orthotic for any horse needing a softer neutral density orthotic than the Standard Turquoise. Most horses over 1300lbs tend to use the orange gel instead of the purple gel because it offers enhanced shock absorption and distributes weight evenly across the hoof. This makes it ideal for horses that place higher loads on their feet. This orthotic helps reduce stress on joints and soft tissues while supporting natural hoof mechanics during therapy, transport, or stall rest. It’s a versatile option for therapeutic and preventive use in heavier breeds or horses with hoof sensitivity due to weight-related stress.
Appropriate uses for the Specialty Orange Orthotic: Larger or heavier horses needing extra comfort (~1300+) Larger or heavier horses with navicular disease Horses with hoof soreness requiring greater gel conformity Therapeutic support during stall rest or rehabilitation Long hauls or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods Heavier horses with thin soles When softer neutral density cushion is needed than the standard turquoise orthotic provides
|
| | | |
| Specialty Dual Density Purple and Turquoise (DDPT) |
| The Specialty Dual Density Purple and Turquoise Orthotic from Soft Ride is specifically designed for horses experiencing laminitic episodes, offering targeted therapeutic support and enhanced comfort. This unique insert combines a soft purple gel in the front to cushion the toe and support the coffin bone (P-3), with a firmer turquoise gel in the rear to stabilize the heel and bars of the hoof. By allowing the toe to sink deeper into the softer gel at the front of the orthotic, this orthotic insert helps shift the horse’s weight to unload the deep digital flexor tendon and assist in increasing hoof angulation and comfort—a key strategy in laminitis management. The result is improved support, circulation, and relief for horses in acute or chronic laminitic pain.
Appropriate uses for the Specialty Dual Density Purple and Turquoise Orthotic: Horses actively experiencing laminitis Cases requiring toe-offloading and heel support Managing chronic or recurring laminitis Horse suffering from ringbone, degenerative joint disease (DJD), osteoarthritis of the pastern or coffin joint Providing comfort during stall rest or restricted movement When adjusting hoof angulation is part of the therapeutic plan As part of a comprehensive laminitis treatment protocol with veterinary oversight
|
| | | |
| Specialty Dual Density Orange and Turquoise (DDOT) |
| The Specialty Dual Density Orange and Turquoise Orthotic is designed to offer targeted therapeutic support for larger, heavier breeds (~1300lb+) experiencing hoof pain or laminitis. Like the Specialty Dual Density Purple and Turquoise Orthotic, the softer orange gel in the front of the orthotic cushions the coffin bone (P3) from the frog’s apex to the toe, while the firmer turquoise gel supports the palmar structures—from the apex of the frog to the heel. This combination helps relieve pressure, increase comfort, and provide improved angulation to reduce tendon tension. Ideal for heavier horses needing structured, multi-zone support. The Specialty Dual Density Purple and Turquoise Orthotic is for larger heavier breeds having laminitic episodes or when the practitioner wants to increase the angulation of the hoof to relieve additional tendon tension.
Appropriate uses for the Specialty Dual Density Orange and Turquoise Orthotic: Heavy horses experiencing laminitic episodes (~1300lb+) Heavier breeds needing additional palmar support Cases where hoof angulation needs to be increased for tendon relief Managing chronic or recurring laminitis Use during stall rest or limited turnout for therapeutic support As part of a comprehensive laminitis treatment protocol with veterinary oversight When greater support is needed from toe to heel within Soft Ride Boots
|
| | |
| Specialty Dual Density Orange and Yellow (DDOY) |
| The Specialty Dual Density Orange and Yellow Orthotic is a “reverse wedge” therapeutic insert, designed to help position negative palmer angles in the hoof in a more level orientation while providing medium cushioning and support. The orange gel in the toe region conforms well to the sole, while the softer yellow gel in the heel area allows the hoof to sink slightly, reducing heel elevation and tension. Its raised frog support helps cushion the collateral groove and promote even pressure distribution across the hoof. This orthotic is particularly useful in physical therapy applications directly monitored by an equine practitioner where hoof alignment and balance are critical to recovery and comfort.
Appropriate uses for the Specialty Dual Density Orange and Yellow Orthotic: To help achieve a more neutral hoof position in a negative palmer angle hoof Horses needing monitored physical therapy to increase flexor tendon extension When repositioning of the hoof angle is part of a treatment plan Horses requiring medium cushioning with added heel flexibility Managing mild imbalances or limb loading asymmetries
|
| | |
| | | |
| Equine Sports Medicine Symposium |
| The Equine Sports Medicine Symposium, organized by the Carolina Equine Sports Medicine Education Foundation, is a two-day event held offering 12–14 hours of RACE‑approved CE credits in metabolic and muscle condition management. It features cutting‑edge speakers such as 5‑star eventer Will Faudree, and veterinary experts Dr. Jane Manfredi, Dr. Lauren Schnabel, Dr. Meghan Ramos, Dr. Sammy Pittman, Dr. Brian Pietrosimone, and Dr. Stephanie Valberg, who present on topics spanning equine biomechanics, rehabilitation, podiatry, sports medicine, and comparative human-animal diagnostics.
This symposium emphasizes practical, research-backed approaches to equine performance, integrating farriery, veterinary diagnostics, therapeutic innovations, and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies to support both clinicians and farriers working with athletic horses
Event Information: Pittsboro North Carolina August 22 & 23, 2025
Chatham County Convention Center 1192 US Hwy West Business Pittsboro, NC 27312
Visit for More Information: https://equinesportsmedicinesymposium.com/symposium-home |
| |
| All American Quarter Horse Congress |
| The All American Quarter Horse Congress is recognized as the world’s largest single‑breed horse show, drawing over 20,000 entries and nearly half a million spectators across multiple weeks. The event features a vast array of competitions—from reining and cutting to barrel racing, halter, hunter, and speed classes—alongside clinics, demonstrations, and a trade show which the the sole public facing event Soft Ride attends each year. If you want to see Soft Ride boots in person or discuss your horse’s measurements with our staff look for us in the Congress Hall trade show.
Event Information:
Soft Ride Booth - 602
September 27 - October 26
Ohio Expo Center
717 East 17th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43211
info@quarterhorsecongress.com
614-505-7200
Visit for More Information: https://www.quarterhorsecongress.com/ |
| |
| No Laminitis! Digital Conference |
| The 2025 NO Laminitis! Conference, hosted virtually by the ECIR Group from October 31 to November 2, brings together leading experts to discuss the latest research and treatment strategies for equine metabolic disorders, particularly PPID, EMS, and laminitis. Featured speakers include Dr. Eleanor Kellon, Dr. David Rendle, Dr. Elaine Norton, and Dr. Robert Bowker, covering topics such as pergolide dosing, obesity-related laminitis risk, hoof biomechanics, nutrition, and emerging therapies like SGLT-2 inhibitors. The conference blends endocrinology, hoof science, and practical management tools to support veterinarians and horse owners in improving equine health.
Event Information: October 31 – November 2, 2025
Location: Virtual Conference (hosted online via Zoom)
Contact Info: Email: info@ecirhorse.org
Website: https://www.nolaminitis.org
Hosted by: The ECIR Group (Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc.)
|
|
| American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention |
| The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Convention, taking place December 6–10, 2025 in Denver, is the world’s largest gathering of equine veterinarians, offering over 100 hours of CE through lectures, case-based forums, and interactive sessions. The program features a diverse range of topics—such as lameness and rehabilitation, surgery, dentistry, sports medicine, reproduction, diagnostic imaging, infectious and non‑infectious diseases, and business‑practice life subjects like wellness, ethics, and social license. Highlighted speakers include renowned presenters such as orthobiologics expert Dr. Lisa Fortier delivering the state‑of‑the‑art Milne lecture, a keynote by Temple Grandin, and sessions led by imaging, lameness, and practice management authorities like Natasha Werpy, Hilary Clayton, and others.
Event Information:
Soft Ride Booth - 2351
December 6-10 Location: Denver, CO
Colorado Convention Center Exhibit Halls ABC Phone: (859)233-0147 Fax: (859)233-1968 Email: aaepoffice@aaep.org
Visit for More Information: https://convention.aaep.org/ |
| | |
| We LOVE hearing from our customers and getting updates on how your horses are doing! Please send us your story and a photo of your horse in their Soft Ride products for a chance to be featured on our social media, in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, and to be entered in a Soft Ride giveaway!
Email us here: socialmedia@srboots.com Tag us: Facebook: Soft Ride Equine Comfort Boots Instagram: @soft.ride |
| | |
| As we continue our drive to keep your horse on his feet, we've received more than 15 patents, ship to over 50 countries, and work with more than 6,000 veterinarians around the world, as well as every veterinarian school in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. And with horse owners from every discipline using our products, we can safely and proudly say, "The best in the world rely on Soft Ride." |
| | | |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
