Emergency Hoof Boot?

[noblesteed]

I am thinking about getting my horse a hoof boot as he often loses a shoe and we have so far had 3 weeks off (and vet, farrier twice and laminitis scare!) due to a very bad bruise. The bruise must have happened in the field when he had lost a shoe.
So I think it would be a good preventative measure to buy him a boot which I can put on him if he does lose a shoe until the farrier can come out. I understand endurance riders take a hoof boot out with them in case of lost shoes.

Anyway I wonder if anyone has had any experience of the Shires hoof boot, or the Easyboot, or could recommend me a good boot that is not too expensive! My OH is insisting I get one, he is fed up of the stress and weekends wasted waiting for the farrier.

Thanks!

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

The 'Davis boot' is the best one I've tried. Not for riding in, but I've had horses turned out in them, and no problems at all.

To make your own boot, whilst you are waiting for the one you buy:

get a pack of babies nappies. (they are hoof shaped )
secure it with vetwrap.
Then take some duct tape, and make a big square shape about 6" longer than your horses foot:- Cut off the duct tape in strips and slightly over lap them so you make the big sticky square pad, and then stick it to the bottom of your horse's nappy.
The duct tape is waterproof and tough.

 

[Charlie007]

I bought an easy boot to use incase he lost a shoe but I cannot secure it enough to keep it on in the field. Its a tight as it will go.

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

If you're looking at a boot for riding in, Boa Boots are good. I have a friend who used to use them.
They caused rubs on her horses heels though, but I think that may have been because she used them on her horse for turnout as well as riding, and I believe these boa boots are designed just for riding - so shouldn't have been worn for such a long period of time.

 

[Brownmare]

I don't think you can say any one type of boot is best, it really depends on the shape of your horses hoof. Have a look on http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/D/Hoof_Boots-%28Hoof_Boots%29.aspx they have a really good advice section

 

[Doncella]

I have a pair of Cavallos. I went round Ledbury xc country in one on the near front for a Lucinda Green clinic because numpty horse pulled a shoe that morning. Jumped every xc fence imaginable. I also have a basic Equiboot which I have SJ'd in on the same horse.

 

[Kallibear]

The 'trainer' type boots like Boas and cavallos stay on really well and protect the hoof, but they are prone to rubbing if left on for long periods of time as they cover the whole foot. It's less of a problem if the foot shape suits the boot shape well but even so they can't be worn 24/7.

The easyboot (similar to but better than the shires Equiboot) don't rub as they fit below the hoof line, but unless they are a good fit they can sometimes come off. Gaiters can help a lot though.

The new easyboot glove would probably be your best choice IF the foot size suits the boot sizes. However it will be harder to measure accurately if he's normally got shoes on, and his foot size will vary depending on when he as last shod/trimmed.

Do have a look at The Saddlery Shop link someone else posted - they have the whole range and give great advice, and a trail too.

Thread like this make me so glad none of mine are shod anymore - I couldn't be doing with the hassle of lost shoes

 

[Bojangles]

Ive tried the easyboot.and didnt have much luck with it due to the rubber bit it pushd into his tendon as it was too long. It fitted his foot just not his leg. Shame as I liked it. Im using nappies and lots of padding and tape!!

 

[Trakehner]

I've a set of 4 of these...they're great and go on and off very easily. No rubbing either:

http://www.renegadehoofboots.com/