Hoof boot query

[Suby2]

My pony who lives out 24/7 does not have the best quality hooves. Recently he lost a front shoe together with a large chunk of hoof.

The farrier was unable to put a shoe back on and so removed the other front one as well.

He has now become uncomfortable due to the shortness of hoof wall and the farrier has suggested putting him in hoof boots in the field.

The boots are on order. My query is - can he, at least initially, wear them 24/7? Or should he have a break from them at some point during the day?

 

[ycbm]

You would be risking some pretty severe rubbing if you put him out in boots for hours at a time without working up to it. You might get away with it if he has a lot of hair or tough skin, but you should really work up to it gradually of you can.

Which type of boot have you bought?
.

 

[Suby2]

You would be risking some pretty severe rubbing if you put him out in boots for hours at a time without working up to it. You might get away with it if he has a lot of hair or tough skin, but you should really work up to it gradually of you can.

Which type of boot have you bought?
.

I have ordered Equine Fusion trekking on the advice of the Urban Horse site.

He is a cob and does have reasonable feathers.

 

[ycbm]

I don't have any experience with those but every other boot I've tried except Renegades have rubbed just on a hack (on horses with no feather) , so I would build up gradually or check often at first.
.

 

[Gloi]

Are you feeding any mineral supplements for his feet? Those from Progressive Equine like Pro Hoof are pretty good.

 

[Regandal]

Equine Fusion boots do have a very soft shell, but 24/7 might be too much to begin with. As above, get a decent hoof supplement from Forageplus, Pro Earth.

 

[Suby2]

Thank you for your replies. Yes, he is on a hoof supplement. I will err on the side of caution and introduce them gradually and see how they go.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

My Connie has just gone into Cavallo Treks after having his shoes off 6 weeks ago for box rest. I wanted his feet to have a proper rest but he was feeling a bit tender on stones and I am introducing the boots gradually just in case of rubs. Other pony is in Renegades for work and went from not having boots to hacking miles with no rubs whatsoever.

 

[Kat]

Can you stable him on a deep bed barefoot for some of the time and then put the boots on for some turnout? It is important to keep him comfortable but I wouldn't want a horse in boots 24/7 even if they are used to wearing them for several hours.

 

[cauda equina]

Could you improvise some boots with loads of ducktape, similar to a poultice but with something a bit more robust in place of the Animalintex

 

[PurBee]

Could you improvise some boots with loads of ducktape, similar to a poultice but with something a bit more robust in place of the Animalintex

I save old neoprene wellies - and the thick neoprene is used as hoof pads in exactly the way you describe, like emergency padding if needed. I’ve also got soft rubber mud flaps from old cars saved and used for the same purpose! It’s amazing how an old welly and duct tape can save a horse and instantly make them more comfortable.

 

[Suby2]

Than you for your replies. i have taken everything you say on board and will use as many options as I can. ?

 

[I'm Dun]

Mine wore flex boots 24/7 for nearly 2 weeks, obviously they came off once a day to check and refit, but no issues at all. And hes a ginger TB, his skin rubs if you look at him the wrong way. I'e also had one with cavellos on 24/7 with no issues