Hoof Boots for unshod horse

[flips]

I have a very flat footed 16hh TB. He's semi retired. I would like to take him out for very gentle hacks but the problem is that every time I put front shoes on to do this it seems to be a kiss of death to his soundness (coincidence not poor farrier)

I can't ride him barefoot on roads/ tracks as due to his flat footedieness (sp) he feels every lump/ bump and pebble let alone stone

I was thinking of buying a pair of hoof boots. Two questions....

One... has anyone got any recomendations on which ones are good?

and

Two... has anyone used them on a flat footed horse? Can they be made to fit properly so they don't rub?

Rocky road for getting this far

 

[brucea]

I use Easy Bares - but a lot of people like Gloves. Use the pads - the 12mm ones

You can get a fitting kit for the Gloves and that's probably worthwhile.

Sadlery Shop Online is who I use for my boots and pads

 

[Kallibear]

They would probably be perfect for him! And much cheaper in the long run than having expensive bits of metal nailed to his feet for the occasional toddle!

Which one's best depends entirely on his foot shape. They're a bit like saddle in that respect - some brabds/models will suit him, some won't. As it will only be shorter rider, the type is less important as rubbing it unlikely to be an issue (only certain boots are suitble for long rides due to their design). Rubbing usually only occurs with unsuitable types or the wrong size. There are also gaiters availble for the sentive skinned, and there are boots that fit entirely below the hair line too.

They are prefect for flat-footed horses as the stimulation of a smooth but hard surface (i.e the inside of the boot) encourages the sole to thicken and the frogs to improve. Many people find that the boots aren't even needed after a while. Kalli is flat-footed but now rock-crunching, as her soles are so thick and her frogs huge. Putting pads inside them initially would help with any discomfort and starts the feet funtioning properly.

The main maker of boots are Easycare - they make various models, each slightly different and suited to various different foot shapes and uses. Read through the website carefully to find the most suitable. The Saddlery Shop do a very good hoof boot trail too.

There are a couple of other makers or boots - Cavallo Simple are good boots - very easy to fit and use, but they are more suitable for feet that are almost as wide as they are long (i.e almost round feet). Didn't like the Marquis Supergrip boots as they were so heavy and bulky. Renagade boots are apparently the best new thing since sliced bread but annoyingly they only do small sizes (don't go big enough for any of my horses)

Have a good look and do research before you buy. So many people buy the wrong type or size of boot then give up, stating hoof boots (and usually barefoot

) are rubbish.

 

[flips]

Thanks for all the info - off to improve my knowledge on horse boots

and find a tape measure that Bruno doesn't think will eat him

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

if his feet are round and shallow, then Boa boots are good, tho being a TB they might be more likely round and upright?

 

[Silverspring]

I second thesaddleryshop.com, very helpful girl who know's her stuff about hoof boots. If you measure up his feet and email explaining what you want the boots to do they'll recommend a pair.

The Old Macs and Boa's are easy to get on and off but they fit above the hair line so can rub and aren't ideal for distance or very rough riding. The easyboot range all sit below the hair line so can stay on for much longer.

I have used the old mac G2 to transition my girl then got the Easyboot Edge for front and Gloves for her hinds. Had them 9 months, ridden in 5 - 6 days a week and both pairs are still going strong

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

My cob goes in the Old Mac G2's on front, I've had no problem wit h them, no rubbing, and it's fantastic that I never have to worry about pulled off shoes!

 

[Selkie]

I got easyboot glove for my two horses from the saddlery shop and used the fitting kit, which cost £50 to hire but you get £45 back when you return it. Had no problems with them. They are easy to put on and fit well.

Did have marquis boot prior but couldnt get them to fit as the farrier measured her feet when he first took the shoes off

 

[brucea]

That's the think I love about barefoot - no worries about lost shoes!

 

[Porkie]

I use Old Mac G2's on my unshod oldie - he gets concussion if shod and these work perfect. And although he is nearly 29 we hack most days and I go through 2 pairs a year on this light work. They have so far never rubbed or caused any problems what so ever and he loves them - he trusts them now and is confident over rough ground.