hoof boots and shrinking hoof size...

[Jericho]

My mare is barefoot and I have been hacking out in Easy boot gloves when I know we are going a stony route. She has absolutely no problems wearing the boots but I have noticed that since she has had her shoes off and I measured her for the boots her hooves have become smaller - maybe I measured during the flare period?

Anyway the boots are now easy to put on, they just need a bit of a pull and a twist rather than a real struggle to get them on and there is a small gap around the top of the main part of the boot and the v only expands very slightly. Also when she walks it sounds like she is walking in welly boots. The boots havent come off yet, apart from when a screw worked loose and the gaiter part came loose but I get the feeling that if the gaiter wasnt on the boot would be off in seconds. There is now rubbing whatso ever

Having not experienced horse boots before I cant tell what they are meant to be like but reading the info it seems like they are now too big. For those of know about this kind of thing what do you think? I really dont want to spend another £100 on a new pair. Can I pad the boots with anything to make them more secure?

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Don't know much about boots/going barefoot in boots (we have two barefoot, but neither wear boots), but the first two questions that spring to mind are:

1. Can the boot have stretched?

2. What condition is the foot in? From what I've read, the diet is the all important factor with regard to goin barefoot

What does your farrier say?

 

[Kallibear]

It's very possible the flare has grown out so her feet are slightly smaller. It's very common.

Question is therefore - are the boots too big?

They shouldn't move and make a sound when they're on BUT if they're staying on and aren't rubbing and she is comfrotable, don't worry!

Have you tried a power strap on them? It makes them a slightly smaller fit. Also, having pads inside them will make them tighter fit.

 

[criso]

Slightly different problem but since my TB has gone barefoot his feet have changed shaped so much I will need a different type of boots.

I had two pairs of Boa boots - one that fitted unshod which I used when he lost a shoe and a bigger size that went over his shoes to stop him pulling shoes off in the field.

They were fine for is old flat saucer like feet but now they have grown down at a different, steeper angle and his heels have grown back they just don't suit anymore. Very frustrating as they are not cheap but it's a sign in his case how much his feet have changed for the better.

Next trim we will lose the last bit of old foot and have a whole new hoof and I will measure and see what suits. There are only a couple of places I need them for but want a pair in reserve just in case.

 

[cptrayes]

try swapping or selling unwanted boots on UKNHCP.myfastforum.com

Foot size changes are common. Big ones get smaller. Small ones get bigger. Try not to buy boots until the last possible moment you need them!!