Bruising on back feet; shoeing alternatives

[De_Howley]

The arab I currently have on full loan (moved onto another farm) is shod on his front feet but not his back. I noticed this morning that his back feet look to be bruised quite badly. I can't shoe his back feet without sedating and twitching him (which I refuse to subject him to every 6 weeks) and I haven't noticed him struggling on them before. I'm just wondering whether there's any other alternatives to shoeing his back feet because if there isn't i can't keep him where I am as the ground is all rocks and even the the ground in the fields is quite hard when the suns out.

 

[NellRosk]

Have you heard of hoofboots? Loads of different kinds these days, definitely worth a try

 

[De_Howley]

Have you heard of hoofboots? Loads of different kinds these days, definitely worth a try

I've heard of them but I didn't know whether or not I'd be able to have them on just backs or I'd have to get them on his fronts as well, I'll have a look around now though aha

 

[SO1]

Keratex hoof hardner - I know a lot of people don't like it because it is not a natural product but it does seem to work well. I am presuming that she is not so farrier phobic that you are able to pick out the back hooves and would be able to paint on the keratex on the soles.

 

[jjsblackhorse]

Hi, I have used the glue on shoes which were great but very expensive. So currently working my way through hoof boots - Boa great on tarmac but slippery on grass and mud; Cavallo Simple and Cavallo Sports found that they were ok on short slow rides but rubbed on faster longer rides probably something to do with TB foot shape as I think they are designed for a more chunky horse! Now onto Easy Boot Glove, so far so good but early days as I like the horse to get used to them slowly - a bit of a struggle to put on!!

Good luck!

 

[Beausmate]

Hi, I have used the glue on shoes which were great but very expensive. So currently working my way through hoof boots - Boa great on tarmac but slippery on grass and mud; Cavallo Simple and Cavallo Sports found that they were ok on short slow rides but rubbed on faster longer rides probably something to do with TB foot shape as I think they are designed for a more chunky horse! Now onto Easy Boot Glove, so far so good but early days as I like the horse to get used to them slowly - a bit of a struggle to put on!!

Good luck!

Did you use gaiters with the Cavallos? I have a very thin-skinned thoroughbred and he's fine in the Simple boots with gaiters. No rubs at all, even when he's not worn them for a while.