Hoof boots - are they any good?

[vicky86]

A horse I am training for someone has had to have his shoes off, however after 3 weeks with them being off the horse still doesn't appear to be 100% happy barefoot. The owners have asked me what I would reccomend doing (whether I think he needs shoes putting back on or whether there is another way to get him sound). I really dont want him to have his shoes back on yet as his feet would really benefit fot the rest but at the same time would be really good if I could find a way to keep up with his training as well.

Sooo what im getting at in a very round about way is, are hoof boots a good solution? I have heard that they are good for hacking but that on a sand suface the sand gets into the back of the boots and rubs the heels. Has any one had any experience of this? Also are there any good ones that people could reccomend. Any advice much appreciated as I have no expeience with these boots. Any other ideas appreciated too. Thank you.

 

[Suffolkangel]

I use Old Mac's G2's on my pony and use them for everything, from hacking to jumping. Have never used them in a sand school but do on very dusty ground, and through water... have never found them to rub at all. Just make sure you use the correct gaiters for them, they help loads....

 

[kerilli]

i've got the Marquis Supergrip ones and really rate them. never rubbed. took me a few goes to get the hang of putting them on right though (they didn't fall off ever, just turned a bit) but now it takes me about 30 secs per boot to put on.

 

[vicky86]

Thank you. I think they are definately worth a try.

 

[spookypony]

I use Easyboot Gloves, and have often left them on in the sand schools. No problems whatsoever. They're also very easy to put on/off.

 

[OneInAMillion]

there is no way he will be completely happy after 3 weeks
he will need time for his feet to harden and create a rim which is almost as solid as having a shoe

Old Macs or Cavallos are definitely the best
My horse has a pair of bith and they are great!!

 

[soloequestrian]

They are great as long as you get the correct fit - if you don't they are very frustrating. The Easy Care website has lots of help on sizing and fitting.

 

[air78]

I'd reccomend the easy boot gloves

 

[indiat]

I have Old Mac G2s for my girl and they are fab. They come with gaiters so stuff doesn't get into them but to be honest I never use them in the arena as its soft enough for her to go without them.

 

[concino]

Have a look at 'the saddlery shop' - they have a good supply of the most popular makes of boot and are very helpful. Some horses hooves are very difficult to boot because of the shape but it is possible to get 'made to measure' with some makes.

Re. barefoot, it can take over 12 months for the hooves to properly adapt to being barefoot and as someone has already mentioned, the amount of work and the surfaces will determin the strength of the hooves.

 

[Silverspring]

I use the Easyboot Edge on the front and gloves on the hinds. You need to get the right fit for the horse and they will be fine in a sand school (unless the school is too deep which is bad for the horse's legs anyway)