The heart bar piece is commonly used in the treatment of a range of pathologies from laminitis to providing additional arch support for weak collapsed hoof capsules with under run heel or providing stabilization of the hoof in the case of complete or complicated stress fractures of the hoof wall Fitting heart bar shoes the frog piece requires careful attention by the farrier and veterinarian.  All therapeutic horseshoes should be applied to the hoof only by an experienced farrier and/or veterinarian.