Advice on best hoof boots

[oldie48]

My 25 year old TB is semi retired but still does a bit of light hacking and gentle school work, just to keep him from seizing up and interested in life. He's got some arthritis in his hocks and was finding it uncomfortable to be shod behind, so his back shoes came off 3 months ago. He managed fine. His front shoes came off today but I'd like to buy some boots for the front so he is comfortable on the road. They won't get loads of wear. Which boots would you recommend and where is the cheapest place to get them? athanks for your help.

 

[jjsblackhorse]

Horse and more, very informative and helpful, do the cheapest Cavello boots

 

[oldie48]

Thanks

 

[Scot123]

Hi - I've got a similar sort of issue re pony/arthritis/no shoes and light hacking! After MUCH research (I got a bit obsessed!) I've chosen Cavallo Simples and am just waiting for them to be delivered. In theory they fit her hooves, are relatively inexpensive, simple and quick to fit, help prevent concussion to the limbs... I'll let you know in a week or so if they're any good!

 

[oldie48]

Hi - I've got a similar sort of issue re pony/arthritis/no shoes and light hacking! After MUCH research (I got a bit obsessed!) I've chosen Cavallo Simples and am just waiting for them to be delivered. In theory they fit her hooves, are relatively inexpensive, simple and quick to fit, help prevent concussion to the limbs... I'll let you know in a week or so if they're any good!

Thanks< i'm also loooking at Cavallo simples.

 

[ameeyal]

I have found the cavellos came up to big, if your hoof measurments will go to the size below, they will be best.
My horses hoof measurement wouldn't fit in easy boot gloves, but I tried a friends and they fit lovely.
So be prepared for trail and error.
I have also tried boas, just for hacking which I liked.

 

[thewonderhorse]

I have recently bought Cavello Simples. My lad was getting a little foot sore so i thought they would be ideal. He is only young but quite a sensible lad.

We were heading out on a hack and went our usual route up a footpath which is narrow, tarmaced with an incline.

I can honestly say i have never been so worried, he went up the path steadily then slipped in the boots and nearly went down.

I hopped off and let him have his head and find his balance and luckily he did and didnt fall. Im just so glad he didnt panic but i felt awful that i had caused him to slip and not feel safe in his footing.

I also hack him out in knee boots as a precaution.

The hoof boots fitted him correctly but i can honestly i will not be using them again. I will have to find an alternative to the boots as i feel his safety is the most important thing to consider.

 

[Brightbay]

There's a kind of choice/trade off to be made.

There are "bucket style" boots - forgiving in terms of fit, durable and usually easy to get on and off. Disadvantages: can rub as they come up to cover skin/fleshy bits, can be clumpy, some horses don't like them. They include Cavallos (very popular and easy choice but use the Old Mac gaiters if needed rather than the Cavallo ones), Old Macs (great range of sizes, very durable), Easyboot Trails (look like Old Macs, but flimsy and twist).

Then there's the lower profile boots - these tend to be more difficult to get a good fit, and are less forgiving in terms of size (I use Gloves, and horse is overdue a trim just now as I was away on hols - it's a struggle to get them on so fortunately he is happy without at the mo!), and slightly more difficult to get on and off. They are less likely to rub, and horses seem barely to notice they're on. They include Easyboot Gloves, Easyboot Back Country (seem a very nice middle of the road boot - easier to get on than Gloves, but less clumpy than e.g. Cavallos), and Renegades (I aspire to a pair of these...). This type tend to be quite expensive compared to the bucket type, so you have to be absolutely sure you have the right size. They also seem to suit hooves that have been barefoot for a while and have settled down in terms of size and shape. I used Old Macs for the first couple of years, then had a party the day my horse finally fitted the largest size of Gloves

As suggested above, contact an expert to chat about pros and cons - mind that they do tend to suggest the ones they stock Don't touch Trails with a bargepole, no matter how strongly they're recommended HoofBootique seems another good shop, as are Cannock Chase Equine.