for those who use horse boots- boa's etc....

L

lynspop

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www.trainingtails.moonfruit.com
Or anyone who has an opinion on any of these boots- what ones do you think are best? I have decided to try them on my boy as he is still pulling front shoes off in the fence (i posted about this a few weeks ago) so have decided to try him without fronts in the field, but some sort of boot on to be ridden.
Have used old macs and easy boots myself in the riding school, and didnt think either was amazing, but possibly they just werent a good fit for the particular horse they were on.
So, what is everyones thoughts? They would need to withstand general hacking and some gentle schooling (so nothing too much)
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The fit for the particular horse is the most important thing. I used Old Macs first - and didn't get on with them at all - nothing but trouble. BUT this was (as I found out afterwards) because they weren't the best fit for my horses shape feet.

I now use Easyboot epics, that have the gaiters built in - I really rate them - I do mainly road work, and they have done a LOT of miles now.

If you have a look here:

http://www.easycareinc.com/education/new_to_boots.aspx

it helps to explain foot shape and the differences in the boots.

As I said I do a lot of road work, but also do galloping like loonies in the fields, have done a few banks and logs that sort of thing, and regularly use them in the school (when I am schooling on the way back from a hack).

If in doubt about foot shape etc ask your farrier to help you. xx
 
I like my old mac G2s. They stand up to alot, I school, hack, jump, xc school (carefull on ground tho) and do my fast work in them and have lasted very well
 
just been on the phone to my blacksmith, he was telling me about boots which you can fill with air somehow when they're on, does anyone know anything about these? are they available in the uk? (my blacksmith is from america originally)
 
We use Old Macs (G2s) and get on with them fine. They are a bit of a faff but you get used to them! If my lads feet were small enough I'd buy gloves. Heard good things about them. I think its the Marquis boots that have the airbags, not heard any reviews about them though.
 
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just been on the phone to my blacksmith, he was telling me about boots which you can fill with air somehow when they're on, does anyone know anything about these? are they available in the uk? (my blacksmith is from america originally)

[/ QUOTE ]

Your blacksmith is referring to the Marquis Hoof boot. These are quite an old design, now. I don't know anybody that has them, these days, but they certainly were popular in the early Noughties (but then, options were limited!).

I have a full set of Easyboot Epics, but I find them a bit of a faff and his hind feet are in between sizes. Easycare have just brought out pads, designed both for comfort and raising the hoof, so hopefully this will solve the issue (I've had them a while, as he's normally shod in summer, but is barefoot again, now).

The Easyboot Glove is getting good reviews, but everyone I've spoken to has said to get the fit kit (available from thesaddleryshop.co.uk). It's only because my epics have got so much mileage left that I've gone for the pad option, rather than waste them.

For his fronts, I decided to go for the Cavallo Simple Hoof Boot recently. I'm soooo glad I splashed out. These are so easy to put on and the velcro fastenings are much more secure than the Epic clips (mine are older style epics).

If you visit the link above, Sue (the owner) has put quite a nice synopsis of each boot together. Another option is HoofWings, of which there is now a UK supplier, but all CUSTOM MADE (yep, tailormade trainees!) are from the US. A hint someone gave to me was to tell them to mark the US Package as THERAPEUTIC hoof boot, as this circumnavigates our little duty problem!
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I had boas with the wires and turning dial to tighten them. they do stay on but can be a bit fiddly and my old mare did manage to snap one of the wires. also they are a bit of a pain if they get muddy.

With hindsight I would probably get velcro ones.

Make sure you get the right size though! They should be almost a fight to get on and not flopping around. NB my mare was barefoot though.
 
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