I've used synthetic shoes before;
Marathons, Sneakers and another that I forgot the name.
They definitely reduce concussion
and do stimulate the hoof to grow more. If your horse has weak walls I would not
recommend them because the shoes do flex a little (Sneakers don't flex as much
because of the metal inside, but they weigh a lot more) and nail holes will
loosen. You have to re-tighten the clinches every so often. Depending on how
your own horse moves and wears shoes will dictate how they will wear the
synthetic shoes. Some horses are light on their feet while others are
not.
