Hoof boot advice please!

[Jackson]

Hello there

I've been tempted to invest in some for Jack as he is coping very well without shoes with the plodding about we are doing at the moment, however I wonder how he will do when we start to do some more hacking out on the roads. From previous experience, I know that his front hooves do wear down really quicky on the roads.
He has okay feet and has been out of work and front shoes probably for 10-12 weeks now. I would prefer to keep him that way! so what do you recomend? I would only be buying them for his fronts!

ETA he is unshod on his backs too but they're pretty tough.

 

[tallyho!]

I only have experience of the cavallos and I really rate them because they are leather inside and out, no rubbing, but you should check out easycare inc website as they are making a few new designs now...

 

[fjordhorsefan]

It depends on the shape of his feet as to what ones would be best. I had some cavallo simple boots for my chap, he has round feet. We've gone back to front shoes though, bloomin' boot kept coming off!!

 

[nirikina]

Why is he out of work? My horse had his shoes off 4 months ago, he has had careful work to aid his rehabilition to barefoot. We walk out in hand barefoot over different surfaces to stimulate his feet, and we hack out with hoof boots all round.

I'd recommend contacting Trelawne Equine (The Saddlery Shop) as they are the biggest online supplier of hoof boots in the UK. They can advise what boots might be best for the size/shape of your horse's hooves and the type of work you want to do.

When it comes to measuring, I found it easier to get the horse to stand on a piece of cardboard and draw round his hoof to make a template, then measure that.

 

[Chavhorse]

My recomendation would always be for Cavallo Easy boots, especially as you only want them for hacking out.

Super easy to put on, hard wearing. non slip even on our hilly tarmac and not overly expensive I only paid 76 pounds inc pads and gaiters from the ebay shop below;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAVALLO-S...ipment&var=&hash=item7217823ba4#ht_3569wt_905

You need to measure from the toe to the butress line to get the right size.

I gave up with the gaitors and now simply use the largest mens socks I can find, no rubbing and easily cleaned.

 

[JTImage]

I recommend the Cavallo boots! They are very easy to us, stay on through all terrain and have never rubbed my horses. I have used them on my horses for years and have been very pleased with these boots! You can order them through www.horsesandmore.co.uk and if you need help choosing the right size the customer service at www.cavallo-inc.com is very helpful.

 

[Lintel]

I am *thread watching here* - considering it for the pudding.
But- I have to say the Old Macs are like a living hell to put on- without the gaiters that is as well!
In my experience(not with my boy) they slip off if you don't attempt to strangle the horses foot with brute force and they get covered inside and out in muck.. takes ages to get a grip of how to put the damn things on too! Argh!

 

[paddy555]

I am *thread watching here* - considering it for the pudding.
But- I have to say the Old Macs are like a living hell to put on- without the gaiters that is as well!
In my experience(not with my boy) they slip off if you don't attempt to strangle the horses foot with brute force and they get covered inside and out in muck.. takes ages to get a grip of how to put the damn things on too! Argh!

I hate putting old macs on. I only use the easyboot gloves. They are lightweight, quick and easy to put on and fit very tightly so not at all clumpy like some of the others. They, and renegades, are the only ones I would like to use for riding any distance.
However they do need to fit well so it is best to hire (very cheaply) a fit kit.

 

[Lintel]

I hate putting old macs on. I only use the easyboot gloves. They are lightweight, quick and easy to put on and fit very tightly so not at all clumpy like some of the others. They, and renegades, are the only ones I would like to use for riding any distance.
However they do need to fit well so it is best to hire (very cheaply) a fit kit.

Have heard really good about them, have only ever "handled" them, and they feel lovely! Unlike the old macs!
I have never thought of a fit kit before.. fabulous idea!