Boots for fully feathered cob!

[thehorsediva]

Hi,
I have a full feathered piebald cob with white legs and i just bought some of the Equilibrium close contact chaps for winter to try and protect his legs from the muddy field. I've bought the biggest size but the velcro will only just stretch and meet the fastening (so the start/ end of boots dont actually align- the velcro goes over some of his feather). Obviously not perfect but they would still help protect the majority of the leg but I am worried if they are safe to use? Or Does anyone use an alternative make that may be bigger and come recommended?
In addition my farrier keeps moaning about the feather getting in his way when he comes. I work full time and its often not possible for me to take the time out to get down there and get them bandaged just before he arrives. He mentioned using cut offs of tights? Does anyone else do this- don't really know what he means, I imagine i just cut a bit off and pull them on!?

 

[katherine1975]

In the winter put pig oil on the feathers and the mud won't stick to them, any mud on them will have come off by the morning. I have two hairy cobs and this has worked brilliantly through the winter.
For the farrier, go to chemist and buy some tubigrip (largest size), cut a piece off for each leg and pull over the hoof and it holds the feathers out of the way.

 

[Guinness]

Hi,
I have a full feathered piebald cob with white legs and i just bought some of the Equilibrium close contact chaps for winter to try and protect his legs from the muddy field. I've bought the biggest size but the velcro will only just stretch and meet the fastening (so the start/ end of boots dont actually align- the velcro goes over some of his feather). Obviously not perfect but they would still help protect the majority of the leg but I am worried if they are safe to use? Or Does anyone use an alternative make that may be bigger and come recommended?
In addition my farrier keeps moaning about the feather getting in his way when he comes. I work full time and its often not possible for me to take the time out to get down there and get them bandaged just before he arrives. He mentioned using cut offs of tights? Does anyone else do this- don't really know what he means, I imagine i just cut a bit off and pull them on!?

I wouldn't use equichaps, just cover the feathers in pig oil to protect them from the mud. I have a full feathered cob and "touch wood" he has never had mud fever and this is what I do each year. The problem with the chaps (particularly with feathers), and particularly if they don't fit very well and still let mud in, is the legs get warm and sweaty-a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

As for your farrier problem, mine wears little socks to keep his feathers out of the way. Just get some old socks and cut the toes off, or tubi-grip bandages work too. I have just moved down south and my new farrier was a little surprised to see a horse with so much feather (they are used to TBs here) he didn't know what to do with them!