Frequently Asked Questions

Wendy Murdoch developed the SURE FOOT Program in 2012 and is the manufacturer. Her discovery has revolutionized the way horse people think about equine balance, posture, behavior, and movement. The SURE FOOT Program is one of simplest and most effective means for helping horses improve overall balance and calmness. It’s also beneficial for rehabilitation, injury prevention, and may be used with equids of all kinds in any discipline and activity, including performance horses.

The horse’s hoof is a sensory organ. Standing on SURE FOOT Pads activates the receptors in the hooves, which transmit this new information to the brain. It may also influence fascia, blood flow, and neurochemicals. Currently there are ongoing studies, which we hope will help answer this question.

SURE FOOT Pads focus the horse’s awareness on how he is standing and then (after stepping off the pads) how he moves. They offer comfort, and allow the horse an opportunity to explore more efficient patterns of distributing his weight, which creates calmness and greater confidence.

It's preferable to have the horse focus on the Pads rather than eating. However, eating is an indication that the nervous system has switched from the sympathetic “fight or flight” mode to the parasympathetic “grazing” mode, which is commonly observed when using SURE FOOT. Therefore, if you feel that the horse is still involved in the process it is fine to let them eat while on the Pads.

Absolutely! You can use SURE FOOT Pads on horses that are barefoot, shod or even wearing boots.

Yes, you can use SURE FOOT Pads in the barn or stall, but always think safety first. If in a stall, be careful around the horse, especially if this is his first time on the Pads. The process would be the same, letting your horse tell you what he prefers in terms of which hoof and how long he wants to stand on the Pads.

It’s preferable to allow the horse to walk between standing on the Pads. This helps the horse integrate the information gained from the Pads in movement. Sometimes movement is not possible given weather conditions, the environment, or the horse’s condition. Therefore you have to take your unique situation into consideration.

It’s okay for horses to rest the toe and/or stand how they choose. You never know what’s going on inside the horse's head! Assume he knows what’s best for him. Remember that observing what they do is just as interesting and important as standing on the Pads because they’re showing you how they feel. SURE FOOT can often guide you toward an underlying problem that was not previously noticeable.

Yes, seniors enjoy their time on SURE FOOT Pads! It’s best to start with the Hard or Physiopad so that it’s not too demanding on stiff joints. Be sure to let them tell you which hoof to place the Pad under and do not make them stand longer than they desire. Older horses may stand for longer periods of time on the pads if they are not swaying and standing quietly.

This depends on your horse. Some horses prefer to stand on the Pads every day, while others like them for several weeks or months and then no longer want to stand on them. Some horses will stand near the Pads and position themselves to indicate which Pad they want to stand on. If your horse loses interest, we suggest you give him a break and offer them again after a month or so. Every horse is different, so you need to closely observe your horse and see how he is responding.

Yes. First be sure to closely observe your horse. If you see a lot of swaying you may not want to use the Pads every day because some horses can get body sore. While standing on the Pads the horse is using his postural muscles in a different way, just like you would if you were to stand on an unstable surface or sit on an exercise ball for the first time. If he has not been using these muscles efficiently for a while they can get tired quickly. Therefore, if your horse does not want to stand on the Pads the next day or two, be sure to listen! He may be tired. Allow several days between sessions especially if your horse is older, has been on stall rest for a period of time, or does a lot of swaying when on the pads. This will give the postural muscles time to develop the necessary tone. If your horse does sway a lot in the beginning be sure to note if this decreases after several sessions.

You can repeat the process whenever you feel your horse is interested in standing on the Pads. Some horses will walk over to the pads and indicate the hoof they want. Older horses will seek the comfort of SURE FOOT on a regular basis. If you have a horse that has a particular problem, going into a corner of the arena, walking through a gate or standing on cross-ties, or at a horse show for instance, you can use the relaxation you have developed by moving the pads to the location where there is an issue and repeating the process. This helps your horse to switch from “fight and flight” to relaxation and overcome the pattern of anxiety he has developed. Therefore SURE FOOT can be applied to a wide variety of situations where you would like your horse to relax, be calmer, more confident and move with greater ease.

Every horse is unique. It is important to let your horse tell you which hoof (hooves) he prefers, and the frequency. The only caution is that some horses can become body sore if they stand on the pads too long or too often in the beginning. Therefore when starting out it is better to give the horse a couple of days off in between sessions if you are not sure how your horse is responding.

Regarding frequency some horses can become body sore if they stand on the pads too often at first. Just think of yourself starting a new exercise program and using muscles you haven’t been using for a while. So while I let the horse determine the program I suggest 2 or 3 times a week with the pads. At a clinic Wendy may put a horse on the pads every day but that’s for a limited number of days (3 – 4) and then they get a break afterward. Most horses are pretty clear when they don’t want to stand on the pads anymore for a while. Wendy knows some that only stand on them every few months but they have still made significant changes. So let your horse be your guide but do keep in mind that she may get sore using new muscles.

The duration varies with each horse. Some horses can only stand on the pads for a few minutes in the first session while others will want to stand for over 30 minutes! When in doubt, shorter, less frequent sessions are better. This will give your horse a chance to process the information and avoid the possibility of soreness in the postural muscles.

I figure it can’t hurt anything. SURE FOOT has helped many anxious horses become calmer and more relaxed so it’s definitely worth a try to see if it will help your horse. And, you are correct in that it can’t hurt! That’s one of the keys to the Program. Since you’re offering this to your horse, she has the right to refuse the pads. Therefore as long as you don’t force your horse to stand on the Pads, she sounds like a great candidate.

Yes! There are now several published studies on SURE FOOT Pads with more in the works.