Boa, Old Mac or Easyboot Epic?

[guisbrogal]

Thinking of getting Ellie a pair of booties but not sure which ones are the best.

She went barefoot at the back nearly four months ago and is doing really well and farrier was over the moon with her at his last visit. However, I am a bit worried that her heels are getting a bit worn down and that she is walking on the bulbs of her heels, although she shows no sign of lameness or soreness. The farrier is due on Friday so no doubt he will advise me but I thought I might treat her to a pair of these boots for longer outings or if I think we are going to do any rougher than usual terrain. What do you all think?

Which versions have people used and can you advise me on how much you use them? Did you need a bigger or smaller size than you measured at? Do they stay on ok? Any problems with traction?

 

[samerlin]

hi can't remember the name of boots that I used, will look them up. Only stopped 'cause my old horse died.They were brill. Very easy to put on and then you pump them up and it is the air cushion that kept them on. my old boy had soft soles and didn't like stoney or hard ground yet with the boots on during winter you often saw him cantering and springing around in the field. he would also trot on the roads with them. He used to lift his feet waiting for them to get put on.
all parts are replacable too so if anything broke you just replaced that part rather buying new boots.
will pm you with the make tomorrow if you are interested.

 

[JACQSZOO]

Easyboot bear.

 

[johnsongreyhorse]

I have a pair of boa's for front hooves (not tryed others) and find them really good don't rub or twist, did find that you have to tighten a couple of times before mounting so put them on after cleaning hooves then groom, then tighten, then tackup, walk a few steps and check tightness again, my horse was on the borderline between sizes 2 & 3, couldn't get size 2 on so using size 3, only use them for hacking out as we have stoney bridleways round us, hope that helps

 

[mrdarcy]

The endurance peeps and barefoot people I know all swear by the easiboot epics... they wouldn't use anything else

 

[JACQSZOO]

The bear is based on the eipc with losts of new and better features.

 

[Natalie_H]

Definitely Old Macs - My boy has had to do 2 summers without shoes - have tried all 3 & he was happiest in the Macs - they never twisted on his feet & he felt totally sound in them (sore footed TB).

 

[guisbrogal]

Hi Yes I would be really interested to know what they were.

Thanks

 

[guisbrogal]

I am off to measure Ellie's feet now so hope that she will be bang on one of the sizes

who's betting she too is in between just to be awkward

Good advice regarding tightening them up etc though thanks!

 

[guisbrogal]

I hadn't heard of those...will go and check them out now
Thanks

 

[hussar]

I now use Boa after trying easiboot, shoof and Davis boots. I got it originally simply as an emergency boot for endurance rides but in fact the only use I've made so far has been as a poultice/turnout boot - and it was brilliant. Stayed on, didn't rub (had an old sock on underneath just in case), was easy to put on and take off and the horse seemed to move fairly easily with it on.

 

[guisbrogal]

That's good to hear. I am waiting to get a good measurement of Ellies foot (she was being a pain in the rain tonight

) and will then serioulsy look into getting some.

 

[Patchwork]

Old Macs are great - have used them on two horses' fronts and they don't slip, spin or rub, don't need to be done up too tight, are easy to fit and the horses seem happy in them at all paces.

 

[brightmount]

Old Macs are very easy to use and the new style G2s are particularly good for hinds. You will probably need to use the pastern wraps that come with them for starters.

 

[guisbrogal]

Excellent thanks.

I have just seen some of these on ebay and they look like a really tidy fit. I am sooo worried about ordering the wrong size though. Ellie was a S*d when i tried to measure her so i am not certain of an accurate measurement. Will try again when she is not in season I think

 

[Fransurrey]

Sorry, only jut spotted this. I've got Easyboot Epics and find them brilliant for staying on.

It doesn't sound as though you need them, though, to be honest. Be careful that you aren't judging her hooves as you would a shod/newly barefoot horse. In a good foot, the hoof wall will be a continuation of the bars, with the heel bulbs being just about on the ground - that's what they're there for! Seriously, if she isn't in the slightest bit ouchy, then don't change anything - and for God's sake tie your farrier up!! One that produces a nice bare foot is priceless!!!


The danger with using boots long term is that you may lose some of that lovely condition, depending on how much you use them!

 

[guisbrogal]

Hi Frances
Thanks for the advice it is very much appreciated.

The farrier came on Friday and was really pleased with her feet. He said exactly what you have said and said the 'wear' was just her feet going to their natural shape and hardening off. i have to say that they do look very good even to my untrained eye

The reason I was thinking of boots was not for everyday use but just for days when we are off out for a good few hours or i know we are going somewhere a bit rocky. (We like to venture out over the moors and it can get a bit stoney).

Thanks again though