got my boas,how much work can i do to start off???

[jackessex]

my ned has been out of shoes for about 3 months now and feet have improved loads,hes a bit footy on crushed concrete so ive been trying to find some boots to fit him,i am now the proud owner of some boas and they seem to fit well,he hasnt been ridden since shoes came off really due to teeth probs aswell,teeth now sorted and i cant wait to ride him again,so how long should i start off with??i was thinking a light hack of about 3/4 hr in walk,but im keen to get him really working as his feet need it!!how long would you do???

 

[Fransurrey]

When I got boots I started off with about half an hour and worked up from there. You'll know after one or two rides if there are any rubbing points/issues.

Good luck!

 

[Orangehorse]

I would start off with less, maybe 20 minutes first day, and gradually work up. It is like any new tack or equipment horse has got to get used to it.

I once took the shoes off and went straight out hacking in boots and horse was lame with a strain in a couple of days (2 months box rest). This might have been a nasty coincidence, but I felt very bad about it, and made a resolution to take things much quieter next time. Vet said it was a field injury, but I had a nagging feeling I had contributed.