Hoof boot to go over a shoe?

[hrimfaxi]

Are any designed for this or is it not at all possible?

My horse came in last Tuesday with a bleeding foot, she has worryingly somehow cut her frog and bulb of her heel It was absolutely gushing when she came in (she had been galloping around) but stopped quickly. We cleaned it up, vet came and poulticed it and gave antibiotics. He says keep it clean and dry, so she is in.

She is not sore on it at all, no lameness and doesn't even mind when we touch it. As she is shod we have been dressing it everyday, then doing layers of vetwrap then plastic feed etc but they just constantly wear out! She has been hacking on the roads in walk with her plastic bags on her foot because otherwise she would go mad being in.

Would any hoof boot be suitable just for walking out a bit? I won't turn out until it has healed better. Any other suggestions for alternatives?

 

[FfionWinnie]

If you are cleaning it when she comes back from a hack I wonder if its better left uncovered anyway?

I would have thought you could just measure her foot and get a boot the right size to go on over the shoe if you wanted to do that. Why not phone up somewhere that sells boots online and ask for advice.

http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/MeasureHoofBoots.aspx

 

[Oberon]

You can probably get away with Sudocrem or a waterproof lotion.

I've seen Boa boots used over shoes - but they have a reputation for being lethal on mud/grass .

 

[Nickijem]

I have been putting a 'Shires poultice boot' on my horse to turn him out while he recovers from an abscess. It has been brilliant - it stays on even in mud and it is surprisingly strong even though it was only £19. Not sure how good it would be for hacking out though-it may wear through eventually.
I use it over a shoe but put a bag over the foot first then put the boot on over the top.

 

[Zerotolerance]

I've used Cavallo horse boots over shoes - was fine. (for one with thin soles to hack on flinty ground, but for whom pads would not be suitable due to his propensity to thrush)

 

[criso]

I've seen Boa boots used over shoes - but they have a reputation for being lethal on mud/grass .

Yes when mine was shod, I used Boas to keep shoes on and the design does lend itself to that but it was a summer only solution as they were too slippery in mud.

I would stick with the plastic bag vetwrap solution and may some duct tape to lend strength, I would worry with a cut actually on the bulb of the heel any boot might rub it.

 

[hrimfaxi]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated

I had a look at hoof boots today, I think boa boots or old macs would go over in a bigger size. Decided against them though as can't justify spending that much for a (hopefully) short-term option - especially as I would have to buy them in a size that could be too big if she actually lost a shoe.

Her cut is healing up ok and probably could do with getting more air to it so I am going to try hacking with just some cream and sudocream covering it and see how we get on. I have bought a shires poultice boot which I might try to turn her out in/walk out in if she gets on with it ok!

Here are a few pics if anyone is interested - thoughts welcome:

 

[Laurence John]

Here's a quote from manufacturers of the Simple Boots, Cavallo, on the very subject:

Can I use SIMPLE Boots on top of metal shoes?

Many people do indeed use Cavallo Boots in combination with metal shoes. The Cavallo Boot TPU (thermo plastic urethane) sole can assist in absorbing the shock and resulting vibration up the horse’s structure and prevent bruising while transporting your horse or working on hard surfaces. Cavallo cannot guarantee that the boots will hold up over prolonged use, to the force of metal, protruding nails or sharp edges and thus the warranty is void with this useage. Extending the life of your Boots can be accomplished by using an insole of thick leather or foam padding which will decrease the direct wear on the sole of the boot. You can replace the pads when they appear to be wearing and thereby lengthen the life of the sole of your boots.

We use these boots if you want to speak to someone experienced.

01772 870060