Dear barefoot people...re: easyboot gloves

[lucy1984]

I'm just looking into going down this route as my rising 4 year old hasnt yet had shoes on and Id like to keep it that way.

I havent researched into it 100% yet but I think that the most important thing to suceed going barefoot is diet.

Especially grazing land and unfortuately I cant bring in/restrict during the grass growing months and I doubt the lady who rents me the field will allow me to lay some hardcore down (so they can get out of the wetness during the winter months). (Mine live out) Correct me if I am wrong, like I say I'm only still looking into it.

Anyway, like the look of marquis supergrips as all parts are replaceable but I've also seen these too. Has anyone used these? How long do they last on average? Are they easy to fit? Are any parts replaceable? Do they stay on when going at speed or through wetness? All replies if any appreciated.

 

[Paint it Lucky]

I have used them in the past. They are better than Boas which I also tried and did not much like! They stayed on my horse fine for roadwork but whenever we went somewhere with moderately deep sand or mud they would come off, which was very annoying! I think in fairness that they didn't fit the shape of my horses feet very well, so it is very important to get the fit right. They were a boot i really wanted to like, and I did persevere with them for quite some time but in the end I had to give up (due to one coming off on a ride and my horse standing on it and breaking it!)

 

[trojanpony]

Don't know about the gloves but I have the Marquis boots. They're fine but I'm not sure I'll buy them again when they're worn out. They're a lot more expensive than other boots but still lose them occasionally. Also have had the inflatable pockets burst and need replacing a few times. They need a fair bit of maintenance and spares aren't that cheap. Given that I don't do a lot of miles think I'l go for cheaper ones next time and just replace when they're worn out. Don't know if that is any help.

 

[lucy1984]

I think I read somewhere that the length is supposed to be the same as the width for these patrticular boots. I havent measured her yet as Im going to wait until she is freshly trimmed. All I'll be doing is roadwork and going across the occasional field but nowhere muddy if I can help it so maybe they would do me. I can always sell them if I dont get on with them I guess.

 

[spookypony]

I have these for my pony.

The gaiters can be replaced, quite easily.

They are super-easy to put on, but it's important that they're a good fit.

I've used them fine for roadwork/gravel/school/normal wet ground, but I had them come off once in super-deep sucking mud. To be fair, I think any boot would have come off in that mud; I shouldn't have had them on in the first place.

I'd recommend them, but get someone to fit them for you so you have the right size.

 

[lucy1984]

Do you find that they ever rub/irritate the skin at all?

 

[spookypony]

Nope, after an initial ministry-of-silly-walks impression, the pony seemed perfectly happy. The rubber part stops short of the coronet band, and the gaiters are quite soft.

 

[mrdarcy]

I use the Gloves a lot and they are probably the best boot on the market right now. I compete endurance and have done 40 miles in a day with them - a few tiny rubs but I doubt you'll be doing 40 miles in them like I do

Fit is very important as others have said - generally Gloves suit hooves that are slightly longer than they are wide but there are ways to adjust the fit to suit other shape hooves, like adding the power strap.

When the fit is right they will stay on at all speeds and through any terrain. I've done rides in deep mud and the Gloves haven't shifted and I often travel at speed and again the Gloves always stay on.

If you want any more advice then feel free to PM me - I have lots of experience in fitting Gloves and all the little tips should you have any problems

 

[brucea]

Haven't used the Gloves yet - I use the Bares and quite like them - can't canter in them though the boots and gaiters go separate ways

That might be better with the Gloves.

Have you got the "Feet First" book Lucyfers - gives you a lot of useful info and ideas.

 

[Natch]

The important thing apparently is to measure your horse's hoof after trimming, and go with the best fit boot for that size/shape of hoof - regardless of brand or style, the best fit will be least likely to fall off