Has anyone ever used hoof boots instead of shoes?

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janietee_5

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I am considering hoof boots for my pony's back feet as he struggles to hold his back legs up long enough for the farrier to shoe him. He is 17 so it is probably a bit of arthritis but he is fine to be ridden. He only does a couple of hacks a week but gets a bit 'footy' if he is left unshod.

Has anyone used them long term and if so, which ones? There are a few makes out there and none of them are cheap, so recommendations would be good.

I used Easyboots many years ago when they first came out and found that they rubbed the bulbs of the heel but they may have improved since then.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Thanks.
 
Easyboots have improved no end over recent years. I've used hoof boots on just the hinds when riding in just the situation you're describing. It was fine.

If their feet are the right shape for them, the Easyboot Glove is the least faffy and the easiest to work with of all of them. No wires, no screws, it's just like putting on a brushing boot. They do tend to suit slightly oval feet, whereas rounder feet tend to go better with the Old Mac style.
 
I have used the Boa boots on my mare on the fronts when she was very foot sore. I never ridden in them but you are mean't to. The Boa boots are made I think by easyboot and you can get studs to put in them. The other make that is good is Old Mac.
 
Cavallo's are the cheapest and are very east to put on, and stay put! you can get them off ebay for around £75 a pair; I have a set of four for Ben who hates being shod.

If only hacking out a couple of times a week they should last you a couple of years. ( Ben's back ones I've had for 9 months, I hack out 4/5 times a week and for about 8/10 miles )
 
Yes, when my husband had a horse he just occasionally pottered round the village. His horse wore boots on her hinds. they were ok. She was heavy on her back feet [poor conformation]. she went unshod in front. he only walked and trotted tough. in fact I have a new pair of Cavallos lounging in the tack room. maybe i should sell them.
 
My young horse has just gone for re-backing with his boots - Easyboot Gloves. He is not shod due to some issues with strange lesions in his front feet. Obviously he hasn't been ridden in them yet, but he has done miles on the walker in them and isn't bothered by them at all!

There have been no signs of any rubs either and they are very easy to put on (especially if you have a little rubber mallet to hand!)

ETA - We have an older horse with athritis and have simply taken his back shoes off. He is a 17.2HH, 22 year old ex masters horse and he adapted brilliantly to having no back shoes. Interestingly, riding downhill on tarmac, he is very deliberate about placing his front feet and feels (to me) a lot more confident about his back feet.

My other older horse is shod all round and fine and dandy - so it's horses for courses.
 
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Mine loves his boots for roadwork, trots along happily in his "trainers." I use the Easyboot Epics, and they have a soft gaiter round the pastern joint so they don't move and if one metal clip comes unfastened (got that problem at the moment) the gaiter makes sure it stays in place.
Mine wear through the toes, as that is how much horse moves, but I can't remember the last time I bought any.

I don't like them so much for off road work, but in general they are better than I think they are going to be and I once did a Trec PTV round in boots as he had worn them the day before for the orienteering stage and I didn't know if we would get eliminated if I took them off for the cross country stage. Mine are OK to put on, if they are a bit tight to start with I put a bit of vaseline round the hoof - but that wouldn't work with Gloves which are supposed to be tight fitting.

I have nice thick pads in them as well, which makes them very comfortable, and I think they are essential if your horse is likely to be at all sore, for whatever reason. The pads also make the hoof work correctly, so it is physiotherapy for the hoof at the same time!

There are all sorts of different styles and makes, but you should stick to the easiest and simplest first to see how you get on.
 
AngieandBen said:
Depending on your horses hoof shape, you should go for the ones that fit the best!
Click to expand...

v good advice!! This is a good starting point http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/hoofsizecharts.aspx They are great for advice too if you get stuck or bewildered by choice.

OH mare has easyboot gloves in front and they are ace. We got the fit kit out to make sure we got the sizing right as they aren't cheap (masses cheaper and longer lasting than a set of shoes though!). As she has more work we are hoping to be able to go without when her feet are stronger. She had had shoes on for 9 years so they are needing alot of work and patience to strengthen up! We have hacked miles in them at all speeds and over all surfaces - a bit thumbs up from a fussy owner and an even fussyer mare!
 
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