Hoof Boot Pads?

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JingleTingle

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Can somebody who has used hoof boots please tell me if it is essential to use pads with them...and what are the implications of NOT using them? And why would one colour/thickness be preferable over another?

Thank you in advance.:)
 
I'm no expert but I'll answer what I can.

I use boots without pads and don't have any problems, I do use gaiters to prevent rubbing round her fetlocks.

I think pads are suggested for thin or sensitive soles to give support and stimulation while the sole improves. I don't think colour is an issue but I think thickness is to do with different levels of support.

Hopefully someone who knows more than me will be along any minute.
 
Thank you Diddleydoo.

My horse has rather flat feet and for various reasons has not been exercised (but does live out 24/7) since her shoes were removed about 10 weeks ago. She is sound on soft ground and just a little 'ouchy' walking on very gravelly ground. I am not too sure the boots we have got will fit her with the pads as well, hence my question.
 
MrsJingle said:
Thank you Diddleydoo.

She is sound on soft ground and just a little 'ouchy' walking on very gravelly ground.
Click to expand...

I use boots through spring and early summer as my girl is quite grass sensitive and like yours gets ouchy over stony stuff.

I've never used pads but I understand they do squash down quite quickly when used. So may not affect the fit of the boot as much as you expect.

I imagine with half a ton on them they'll squash no problem, just like when they stand on your toes :eek:
 
some boots are more designed to use with pads than others, what do you have? I would try them and see how you get on. I have easyboot gloves which aren't really designed to fit much of a pad in and they have been fine (my lad had flat feet too!)
 
thank you Ester

I have the Easy Boot Trails and the pale green pads that I purchased with them, but I also have a set of black pads that I bought of ebay. I am slightly concerned as on the black pad wrapping it does say only to use under veterinary advice?

I will be trying them on tomorrow, so I think I will go without the pads to start with and perhaps add the pads if she is still ouchy?
 
When boots are fitted properly no need for pads. I use renegades on my welshie. With their design haven't had any movement or rubbing and can do what I need in all paces onall surfaces.
And eventhough I think renegades are the best boots you can get I will say they will ot fit every hoof and a boot for every hof I would say. But well fitted still no pads needed is what my trimmer says and I agree. ;)
 
several people have used pads for very uncomfortable horses on here though, particularly those that need them for turnout.

MrsJingle I would give them a go, I suspect she will be fine :). I did try some camping mat in mine but he didn't feel any different ;)
 
Pads are used for horses with sensitive soles, weak heels, compromised hoof walls, rotated pedal bones etc.

They do not squash down despite what your imagination tells you. These are special foam pads between 4lbs and 8lbs measurement of density and 8lbs is VERY hard stuff!

They are selected to provide support or shock absorption and can mould to the the shape of the frog and sole. They have a very important role in the rehabilitation of pathologically compromised feet.

Some horses cannot cope with no padding. Most, however, do very well indeed.
 
I use the 4lb pads and my mare is like tigger in them. Bare she is short and landing toe first even on sand. They give a lots of comfort.

I have some cavallo gel pads too which I may use in future, they came free with the boots. I think the styrofoam pads provide extra sole stimulation as well as cushioning as they mould to the foot.
 
I wasn't using pads (I may try some camping mat tho!!:D) and she just wears socks but I am going to get some pattern wraps I think as she puts holes in the socks after one ride so wraps will be cheaper in the long run lol
 
See I don't bother with socks or wraps and Miss Sensitive doesn't get rubbed, she's too busy being rubbed by the binding on her Numnah and the stable door.......
 
I didn't bother the first time and she was fine. She wasn't enjoying them the last time but maybe it was because it was really slippery mud and they don't have as good grip. I took them off in the end as I was terrified they were going to rub. I only use them on stoney ground normally but it was a new hack at a friends and she said it was stoney (not my definition of stoney it was smooth tracks and mud!)
 
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