One bolt in the toe is not condusive to good breakover in a "street nail" situation IMO. If the "street nail" has punctured or disrupted the tendon or tendon attachment/insertion of P3 breakover is compromised; I use 2 bolts/screws , placed in between and behind #1 and #2 toe nails so the shoe and plate can be rockered with prejudice.
Might want to consider using something like a Castle Performance Pad instead of a piece of steel or aluminum. Its light weight, easy to cut and unlike aluminum, won't feather to a sharp edge over time. Actually, Ray makes a pad like that but I don't remember what he calls it. I've used that material a few times and am eminently satisfied with the results.
The horse this was put on is stall bound currently, stands with all the weight on the opposite hoof due to being uncomfortable on the injured foot. The steel is very easy to cut with a plasma cutter, cuts in seconds litterally. Trace the shoe, cut the steel, drill holes, and apply. Very fast process.
Gap in the toe. Longest piece of aluminum I had on the truck. Thankfully the problem was in the back half of the foot....
