For those who use hoof boots

[Silverspring]

I'm looking for a pair of hoof boots and happened upon this US makes

http://www.renegadehoofboots.com/

I really only want them cos they come on different colours and I could get green ones to go with my endurance bridle!

Has anyone used them? Or can say if they are worth the investment/wait to get from the US?

If not what do you all recommend that I can buy in the UK, need them for general hacking, not much road work and the ground I ride across is relatively dry most of the year. Horse is an Arab and she get's rubs etc quite easily so I wouldn't want anything that was likely to cause any sort of rubbing.

 

[Gingerbird]

I'd say these look a bit harsh if you say she rubs easily.

have you had a look at Old Macs? My fried uses them on her TB who has the finest skin in the world. They come with little 'socks' that go on first and cover the heels etc and they have not rubbed him at all. He can go for miles in them without any problems at all.

 

[brightmount]

Never seen those before - it looks like you need a degree in engineering to fit them.

I love their refreshing honesty:

8. The cables are now loose and free to move which means you must be careful to not pull them out accidentally as they can be a b*gger to get back in.

 

[dixie]

How about the Boa's. I've used them a bit - are easy to use and stayed in place.

 

[Silverspring]

Agreed on the engineering degree, I started reading the adjustments and just though 'huh?' they do look quite technical and you're probably right that they are more likely to rub

but they are so pretty!
The old mac's have been recommended to me by the saddlery based on the size of her feet, they look at tad cumbersome but if they do the job and don't rub then I can't complain. She in between the sizes for any of the easy boot, typical.
I've heard mixed reviews about the boa's, someone on here said they had problems with cables snapping then the boot wore out really quickly

I don't do alot of road work so I'd be looking for the boots to last at least 6 months.

 

[Diggerdog]

The Renegades are very new on the market, but I have also been tempted by the funky colours! I'm sure that some of the UK barefoot trimmers will be stocking them, once the manufacturers can keep up with the demand.

I eventually went for the Easyboot Epics, as the hard parts are all below the coronet band, so they don't rub at all. The gaiter that goes around the pastern is neoprene, so it doesn't cause any problems either. Do bear in mind that if you put comfort pads in any of the boots (which is a good idea) they will take up some room, so you may need a slightly larger size.

Please let us know and post some piccys if you do decide to go for the Renegades.

 

[Kallibear]

They're fairly new but have rave reveiws, for some very experienced barefoot people. I would have a pair like a shot, if only they went big enough.

I'm not sure you're able to buy them without an EP - the maunfactures don't want them getting a bad name by poor fitting and people using them wrong.

They are apprently easy to put on and don't rub at all. And WAY better than present clumpy boots like Boa and Barefoots.

 

[Silverspring]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not sure you're able to buy them without an EP - the maunfactures don't want them getting a bad name by poor fitting and people using them wrong.


[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry what's an EP? I totally understand them not wanting to go mass production and risk them getting a bad name due to inexperienced people fitting them incorrectly. TBH looking at the technical adjustments I think they'd be too much for to understand I have a maths degree! I'm going to go with old macs for now, maybe get the shiny colourful one when they are more readily available.

 

[Kallibear]

Equine Podietrist. Posh name for a barefoot trimmer, although the actual name they use depends of who they trained with.

Look up reveues for the Rengade boots- EVERYONE is impressed with them. After the initial fitting they are dead easy to put on.

I want a pair!

*have to trim a good couple of inches off Kalli's feet though!*

 

[Alibear]

I use the old Mac G2's my horse's feet are generally the same width and length which made fitting any boots to him tricky. I can't use the gaitors as the boots then don't fit, but haven't had a rubbing problems at all and they've last 9 months of use for 3 hours per week all road work.
Tried him walking and trotting on some fields and set aside and they aren't to cumbersome for that either.
All good so far.

 

[Fransurrey]

[ QUOTE ]
Equine Podietrist. Posh name for a barefoot trimmer, although the actual name they use depends of who they trained with.

[/ QUOTE ]

An Equine Podiatrist is someone who studied KC La Pierre's diploma. No other 'trimming' discipline uses the name and knowing KC, it's probably trademarked or protected!

As for the boots, I've got Easyboot Epics. For me and Henry, they're not really the ones for us. He's in between sizes and whilst they stay on VERY well with gaiters, they do move ever so slightly and are a pain in the bum to get off and on. Other people love them, though. I'm looking at Cavallos for my next set. I like their ease of use and the drainage (especially with this weather!!!!).

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Caval...boot-(257).aspx

 

[Silverspring]

The shoes are off and the feet have been measured. I used the saddlery shop for advice and they said the Old Mac G2 would suite best, her feet are at the bottom of one size when first trimmed so she has 5mm of growth space before they pinch. The boots are no on order and I'll keep you all posted as to how we get on! Thanks for all the support, I didn't know there were so many barefooters on the forums

we should start out own clique!
Re the EP's and barefoot trimmers, does anyone use these or is it farriers you all rely on? My farrier wasn't too enthusaistic about the whole barefoot thing, didn't offer much advice etc

would be interested if there is anyone in the Scotland area that specialises in the barefoot love?

 

[Kallibear]

I use a farrier as he's enthusiastic about barefoot trimming and I do the rest myself (easy feet that don't need much done now they've tranistioned).

There are two trimmers up here that I know about - one in central scotland and one in aberdeen.

Best place to ask if on one of the more 'natural' horse forums, where there is a big barefoot following.