Hoof boots for hind feet?

Spyda

Spyda

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I'm planning to bring my WBxTB five year old back into work after 8 months off. She's always kept shod in front and I'm considering keeping her this way if I can find some suitable hoof boots for her hind feet. Ones that will fit the shape of the hind hoof properly, won't rub or pull off in mud. Can anyone recommend any? Many thanks :)
 
Have a look at the Cavallo sports boot. Will she not be ok with hind feet left bare?
Cavallo gaiters are useless, but you can use mens socks.
There are websites who stock all sorts and you can take them on trial/loan.
 
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I would measure them after the farrier has trimmed them and see what brand/model suits their shape the best. Those will be the ones that are most likely to stay put. Thesaddleryshop have a brilliant section with how to measure and also the size charts for absolutly loads of different hoof boots. They are also super helpful on the phone if you are finding it hard to make head or tail of all the choice!

Tbh though most horses are fine without anything on the backs, even straight out of shoes. If diet is good, and exercise over a range of surfaces is brought in steadily (only the same as a regular start to fittening work) then all should be well.
 
Thanks for the reply! I've heard Cavallos are good. Just worried about the potential for rubbing since my mare has the MOST sensitive skin known to man (really, she does!)

It's doubtful she'd stay sound unshod as she's soft, flat-soled hooves and can get 'footy' sometimes even unworked and 99% of our ridden work is done along (very) hilly lanes. There's little off-road access anywhere closeby and what there is is really stoney - sharp sided rocks poking up through the soil everywhere. It's a real pain for horses like mine. I'd rather be prepared.

I do have a brand new set of x4 Mac boots kicking about somewhere (goodness knows where though :rolleyes:) but am not sure they'd still fit (I bought them when she was a 2-3 year old) or whether they'd be best for hind-hoof use. If something's going to fit better, I'd rather sell the Mac's un-tried.

I've looked on the Saddlery Shop website (where I bought the Macs originally) but there are soooo many types and versions available these days :eek:

Good idea about measuring her again once the farrier's been out, ThePony. He's booked for Wednesday so I can do it then. Thanks :)
 
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Some of the boots really are v good, our mare rubs so easily you wouldn't believe, yet was absolutly fine in her easy boot gloves (we were astonished!!). Sounds like your area offers limited scope for a slow build up of surfaces so boots may well be a good idea, if only to give you the opportunity to build her work up without worrying about any ouchiness. Remember to use pads with your boots as this gives much needed stimulation to the feet which helps them strengthen.

First step will be to get them measured (check out online what measurements you need and how to take them, I got it wrong and had to faff about measuring again, a right pain!), then sit down with a cup of tea and work through the sizing charts. Make a note of the boot models that both width and length measuresments fit within the same size. Then either search online for peoples experiences (v useful http://uknhcp.myfastforum.org/forum2.php), or give thesaddleryshop a ring and see what they suggest.

If she is growing weak flat feet then I would take a close look at her diet. Our mare had feet like that, and was labeled as one of those horses that just grow feet that way. Well, I can confirm that is def not the case!! Once we took her (pretty healthy!) diet appart and started again the change has been amazing, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen the change for myself!! For her it was a move off high calcium speedibeet and alfafa chaff, onto fast fibre and balanced minerals.

Good luck!
 
I use the Cavallo Sport boots on my horses hinds and they work great. They are a little bit narrower so a perfect fit for hinds and I love that they have the built-in breakover at the toe. My horse has all white feet and is very thin-skinned and I have never had a problem with the Cavallo boots causing rubbing, which is a problem I had in the past using other types of boots.
 
Dear OP
I removed my mare's hind shoes about 8-10 weeks ago. She was fine, but has recently been very footy behind.
I have hired some Easyboot Gloves from The Saddlery Shop (its on the net). When I had measured her hoofs I spoke to a very helpful man called Tom. He couldnt have been more helpful, and advised what style would suit her hoof shape and the sort of riding I do.
I would recommend them to you.
 
I used the Marquis Supergrip hoof boots for the hinds as they allow for feet which are substantially longer than wide. Not cheap but very adaptable and you can replace anything that wears out. Good breakover and grip too.
 
Brilliant, thanks everyone. I've got her measurements now so shall contact the Saddlery Shop and see what I can find. :)
 
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