Hey I was reading some news about natural horse feet lately and was wondering what they do for race track shoes now?

I know they used to use a "racing plate" that was made especially for the track, but I haven't read anything since an older friend showed me one a long time ago. I think it was made by Victory?

I am sure they have some high tech stuff now.

And what is the make up of a track? how much sand? dirt? it has to be a pretty scientific mixture with those dollars out on the track.

Well, I will try and answer these the best I can.

For the Shoes - they are still called "Racing Plates" and there are a few different brands now days that are used. They are all made out of aluminum and some have no toe grabs, slight toe grabs, and 1/4inch toe grabs (the 1/4 ones are mostly used for QH races). Also, they have wedge shoes (which are slightly taller on the heel to give a horse more lift on the heel).

For the Surface - you are right about part sand part dirt. I am not sure of the percentage of this. They are now enforcing a new surface called the 'Poly Track', which consists of a 10-inch layer of a mixture of silica sand, fibers and recycled rubber materials. The mixture is covered with a wax coating that allows water to flow freely through the top layer to the drainage system below.

The newest racing shoes I've seen are still aluminum and come with some variations, but have a small pad, they same material as nike' sneakers pre attached to the top[part that touches foot]

I have used racing plates on some non racers and really liked the performance on a couple of my jumpers. I now use aluminums up front on my english flat horse. Not too heavy so he moves out nicely!