Hoof boots and snow?

[charleysummer]

This winter i really don't want the trouble of snowshoes and a lame horse on box rest again! So i was wondering can i use those hoof boots during turnout inthe day to prevent her getting sore/bruised feet? and obviously to hack out in as they must have better grip than metal,

can i use them with metal shoes aswell? and if i can use them what are the best to use?

thanks

 

[yvonne36]

I use Old Mac G2's on the front feet for hacking out as she can't keep front shoes on and they're great. Last winter I put them on in the field when the ground was really hard and they were great. No sore feet for my wee girl!

 

[SpockkyBoy]

I'll be watching this thread, as I am intrested in looking for hoof boots for my boy!

 

[LucyPriory]

This winter i really don't want the trouble of snowshoes and a lame horse on box rest again! So i was wondering can i use those hoof boots during turnout inthe day to prevent her getting sore/bruised feet? and obviously to hack out in as they must have better grip than metal,

can i use them with metal shoes aswell? and if i can use them what are the best to use?

thanks

Don't fully understand - is the horse shod?

If bare, snow is pure pure unadulterated bliss. Great for bare foot health, and the bare feet grip well in the snow.

If unshod but unhealthy feet, well depends on degree of unhealthiness. But if good enough to ride booted, then a bare foot should be fine in the snow.

If you want boots then check out the EasyCare range - they have some with extra grip. But they don't fit all feet. For round feet you could try Cavellos. Some boots will take studs, but I hate studs so can't advise on those.

 

[charleysummer]

Don't fully understand - is the horse shod?

If bare, snow is pure pure unadulterated bliss. Great for bare foot health, and the bare feet grip well in the snow.

If unshod but unhealthy feet, well depends on degree of unhealthiness. But if good enough to ride booted, then a bare foot should be fine in the snow.

If you want boots then check out the EasyCare range - they have some with extra grip. But they don't fit all feet. For round feet you could try Cavellos. Some boots will take studs, but I hate studs so can't advise on those.

i've only just realised i had replies to this thread! oops!

yes she is shod onthe front feet, and no studs so this is not an issue- she is just very sensitive type and easy gets footsore so really want to get something that will actualyl prevent snow getting in, as vaseline and all of the other problem fixers are useless

 

[LucyPriory]

This winter i really don't want the trouble of snowshoes and a lame horse on box rest again! So i was wondering can i use those hoof boots during turnout inthe day to prevent her getting sore/bruised feet? and obviously to hack out in as they must have better grip than metal,

can i use them with metal shoes aswell? and if i can use them what are the best to use?

thanks

This might not sound very helpful but I think if your horse is getting sore/bruised feet when turned out then I think you have a bigger issue than what is on the end of her feet. Although if she is badly shod, this could be the cause.

I know snow packing in shoes is a problem. There are some boots which you can put over the top, but this invalidates the warranty.

http://www.trelawneequine.co.uk/products/old-macs-g2/ note that using the boot over shoes for travelling is discussed but not for any other purpose.

Personally I wouldn't recommend it.