Boots for slim (hind) feet

[Widgeon]

I know this has been done to death but I can't find a previous thread that quite answers my question - so - any recommendations for a pair of boots for hind hooves that are currently slightly longer than they are wide? They are nice solid cob feet, no problems except that having taken his hind shoes off a few weeks ago he's susceptible to bruising by rocks / stones. It's very apparent that he needs some boots, but I need something that will stay on over all sorts of terrain (including mud and scrambly moors).

I've considering the Easyboot Epics, because they're described as being "suiting longer than wide hooves" and I know I can get a second hand pair in what I think is the correct size for £80 (so not budget busting if they're not quite right).

Has anyone else used Epics on hind feet? Or any other recommendations? Scoots look great but I'm not sure I have the time to be fiddling around with mud straps etc.

 

[meleeka]

Scoots are very simple to put on, so don’t discount them on that.

Different boots suit different shapes. Hoof Bootique are very helpful and don’t pressure you to buy from them, they’ll just advise if you send measurements.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Scoots come in slim as well as regular. Liz (HB) hires out shells to make sure you have the correct fit/size. Definitely no pressure to buy new and she has a second hand page.

 

[Widgeon]

Scoots come in slim as well as regular. Liz (HB) hires out shells to make sure you have the correct fit/size. Definitely no pressure to buy new and she has a second hand page.

I hadn't seen that - brilliant! I will drop her an email now and get some accurate measurements tomorrow....hopefully she'll have something second hand that will fit.

I initially didn't want to bother her as I felt I'd be fishing for free advice without buying brand new boots, which felt a bit cheeky - but as she does also sell second hand I will contact her.

Thanks

 

[Barton Bounty]

Liz is really helpful, she sorted me out

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I hadn't seen that - brilliant! I will drop her an email now and get some accurate measurements tomorrow....hopefully she'll have something second hand that will fit.

I initially didn't want to bother her as I felt I'd be fishing for free advice without buying brand new boots, which felt a bit cheeky - but as she does also sell second hand I will contact her.

Thanks

She sells on behalf of other people and hosts the page on the website so you deal direct with the customer selling. There always seems to be a good selection of makes/sizes and I always look there first before replacing brand new especially if it’s for transitioning. Liz is lovely and so helpful and genuinely wants to get the best fit for the foot first time round which is why shells are so handy.

 

[webble]

Scoots are fairly easy to use and you will likely only need mud straps in the worst of weather

 

[FitzyFitz]

Scoots aren't tricky to use if your pony fits them as is, the more extra accessories, the fiddlier they are. They also don't really adjust so I find they either work brilliantly, or not at all and you can't do anything about it, depends on the exact hoof shape.

I like renegade vipers for the hinds, they come in many different sizes including longer than wide. They are expensive to buy but very secure once adjusted and last for absolutely ages. I've competed my endurance mare in shod fronts and vipers behind for 3 years now no problems (same pair) . Just got a set for my dad's horses hinds as well, he's semi retired but the boots will likely outlast him so it's worth the cost.

 

[Widgeon]

I like renegade vipers for the hinds, they come in many different sizes including longer than wide. They are expensive to buy but very secure once adjusted and last for absolutely ages. I've competed my endurance mare in shod fronts and vipers behind for 3 years now no problems (same pair) . Just got a set for my dad's horses hinds as well, he's semi retired but the boots will likely outlast him so it's worth the cost.

Interesting thank you, this would be the setup I'm using - shod front and boots hind.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Cavallo treks might be a bit clumpy but they come in a slim width, too. They are a forgiving fit.

I've only got them in slim in a size 2, which is unlikely to be big enough for a cob, but you could have had a borrow of them to check for fit.

 

[FitzyFitz]

Interesting thank you, this would be the setup I'm using - shod front and boots hind.

Its unorthodox but works really well when they need a bit of extra protection but not all the time. Saves on a full set of shoes!

I have another pony who's the other way around, boots in front, shod behind. Now that one really does get funny looks

 

[Widgeon]

Cavallo treks might be a bit clumpy but they come in a slim width, too. They are a forgiving fit.

I've only got them in slim in a size 2, which is unlikely to be big enough for a cob, but you could have had a borrow of them to check for fit.

That is really kind of you - our YO has a pair of Cavallo 5s (regular fit) which I've used on my horse's fronts before when he had an abscess, so I do have an idea of what might work in Cavallos. I was thinking about buying some second hand 5 slims as an interim measure for local pottering. Ugh why does everything cost so much??! At least a pair of Cavallos would always be useful to have....not sure they'd stand up to "proper hacking" though.

 

[Widgeon]

Its unorthodox but works really well when they need a bit of extra protection but not all the time.

Exactly...I'm hoping / intending that eventually he won't need the boots, but it's become very apparent that he needs some help while his feet grow and get used to not having shoes on again.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Scoots aren't tricky to use if your pony fits them as is, the more extra accessories, the fiddlier they are. They also don't really adjust so I find they either work brilliantly, or not at all and you can't do anything about it, depends on the exact hoof shape.

I like renegade vipers for the hinds, they come in many different sizes including longer than wide. They are expensive to buy but very secure once adjusted and last for absolutely ages. I've competed my endurance mare in shod fronts and vipers behind for 3 years now no problems (same pair) . Just got a set for my dad's horses hinds as well, he's semi retired but the boots will likely outlast him so it's worth the cost.

I have had Vipers all round on one of mine for 7 years now and love them, they are quick and easy to put on and very rarely come off. I’ve had two front wire failures but only because they were worn and I hadn’t replaced them in time. I would love my Connie in them too but his feet are the wrong shape so he is in either Cavallo Trek 2 slim or Scoots 4 slim.

 

[FitzyFitz]

Exactly...I'm hoping / intending that eventually he won't need the boots, but it's become very apparent that he needs some help while his feet grow and get used to not having shoes on again.

Mine doesnt use them 99% of the time, just if i'm doing miles of forest roads or long endurance competitions, or if i'm riding with someone new and I have no idea how far and fast they'll be taking me round! Easy enough to pop them on after all.

 

[FitzyFitz]

I have had Vipers all round on one of mine for 7 years now and love them, they are quick and easy to put on and very rarely come off. I’ve had two front wire failures but only because they were worn and I hadn’t replaced them in time. I would love my Connie in them too but his feet are the wrong shape so he is in either Cavallo Trek 2 slim or Scoots 4 slim.

I hate fiddling about with the little strap keepers on the viper straps BUT i only have to do it once per day, so I'll forgive them! Just as quick as putting leg boots on or something anyway.

I also really like Exploras, they can be quite a wrestling match to get on and fiddly straps but again, very adjustable and secure.

 

[holeymoley]

Mine has quite narrow dinky hind hooves. We use Cavallo Treks. But only if only stoney forestry tracks or if I know I’m doing a lot of roadwork. I’m not sure how good they are in the grand scheme of hoof boots.