[Danae]

You are right it isn't a cast per say. And it does raise the level of the other hoof, so that it matches the other leg. It is done to minimize the risk of a certain affliction that effects horses that can not put equal weight on all legs. It is also a shock absorber, you are right on that as well!

[Lemondropkid31]

Barbaro had a second cast change today. He recovered nicely. Also, the chief surgeio, Dr Dean Richardson said that they changed a couple of bent screws and put in three new ones across the pastern joint. He also has an abcess in his left foot, on the heel, but they are not worried about that. It is treatable. New pictures will be added to the University of Penn.edu website Wednesday.