Hoof boots - recommendations?

[Hollyanna]

Can anyone recommend hoof boots - which ones you've used and what you use/ used them for? and any pitfalls or concerns? I have a horse with severely underrun heels and flat feet who keeps pulling shoes off - which is causing him to then be very foot sore from having his hoof fall apart and break -surprisingly not from having the shoe off, but when he then has them put back on

I have read up loads and always wanted to try taking his shoes off but keep being talked out of it by my farrier, so I am going to go ahead and do it as I think it would be better for his feet in the long run, just need some boots for him. A friend of mine recommended Cavallo Trek ones, but just want to see what the options are as they are very expensive and want to be sure I get good ones!

TIA

 

[FfionWinnie]

Join the FB second hand hoof boot group and see what you can get second hand. I have only once bought new and only because the size I needed was only just available so none hand. If you get second hand ones you’ll rarely lose money and you can change for other ones if he changes shape (which he will!).

I don’t like cavallos myself as the break over is poor and I find they rub and are clumpy. They are easy to put on, forgiving on fit and readily available in most sizes second hand.

Personally I would get scoot boots if they are likely to fit. You can get pads for them too. Take it slow and see how you go. Get the diet right first and make sure there’s no thrush.

 

[Andalucian]

Also with feet that you describe, they will change shape as they gain health, so buy second hand at first as you'll need another pair in 6 months.

 

[JillA]

Depends on the fit and the purpose - some fit wider feet better than others, and some are designed for turnout as opposed to ridden work, or both. Have a chat to one of the better stockists, they will advise, especially if you have measurements (post trim). Urban Horse were very helpful when I got mine.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Join the FB second hand hoof boot group and see what you can get second hand.

Pls can I butt in and ask what this group is called? I put a search in on FB and it came up with a group in Canada. Is there a UK based one pls?

 

[JillA]

I don't know one on FB but Phoenix Horse is the standalone forum for barefoot

 

[Puddleduck]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Barefoothorseboots/

 

[OLDGREYMARE]

hoof boots for barefoot horses uk and hoof boots for sale or exchange uk

 

[MagicMelon]

I used to hack out a pony and used BOA boots for him as he went through a phase of having sensitive soles. They were good, did the job.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Thanks for the FB group suggestions, folks .

 

[Casey76]

Definitely recommend buying second hand, especially at first.

I've not paid more than 50CHF for a pair of cavallos (I now have three pairs!), and some of them were in almost new condition.

I use mine mainly for turnout and in hand walking; as soon as we have a stabilized foot shape I'd really like some scoot boots or some Swiss Galoppers... maybe after Christmas lol!

 

[Landcruiser]

I have a horse with severely underrun heels and flat feet who keeps pulling shoes off - which is causing him to then be very foot sore from having his hoof fall apart and break -surprisingly not from having the shoe off, but when he then has them put back on

I have read up loads and always wanted to try taking his shoes off but keep being talked out of it by my farrier, so I am going to go ahead and do it as I think it would be better for his feet in the long run
TIA

Given that your farrier has been continuing to shoe a horse in this condition without addressing the under run heels/poor hoof health, well done for ignoring his "advice" and going for it. Set yourself up for success though, and educate yourself as much as possible about barefoot hoof form and function (as you seem to have been doing). A good place to start would be Nic Barker's book "Feet First" if you haven't read this one already.

 

[MissGee]

I've used the Cavallo ones. I have 2 pairs of the "Simple" ones and 1 pair of "sport" ones.

Both very easy to put on and off, the simple ones are better to adjust fit due to the Velcro, however the Velcro can fail when hacking out in mud. The sport boot fits a narrower foot better and due to the hooks, doesn't fail under mud. However, they are both slippery on wet/muddy surfaces so would consider studding them which isn't then ideal if you have to ride on the road to get to the woods.

But all round a good boot and perfect as spare tyre for when you loose a shoe. ;-)

 

[Merlod]

Scoot boots! My horse has been out of shoes just over a month, I got the fit kit from urban horse and splashed out and got him a set of four. I'm really pleased with them, I have dabbled in hoof boots in the past and always ended up going back to shoes because just couldn't get on with them - tried cavallos, boa, easyboot trail and fusions but I hope the scoots will be it! And they are proving very popular so I am happy that if his feet do change shape then I should be able to sell them on relatively easily.

 

[ester]

If the heels are under run you will likely need a pair that are more forgiving in fit to start with compared to the low profile sportier ones (like gloves/scoots etc).
The best option is to send photos of the feet with a tape measure for width and length to any of our very helpful boot retailers so they can advise.

I have cavallos for poulticing only, I don't like them overall but they fill a need, particularly if you have something that is going to be sore and potentially need boots for turnout. I would never do fast work in them.

I use easyboot gloves with powerstraps and athletic tape if very wet and muddy. As he does sometimes over reach one off at speed and once you have a wet and muddy hoof they are inclined to come off again a bit easily.

 

[Polos Mum]

As a starter boot I like Cavallos, they seem to be simple to get fit right and forgiving if it isn't perfect fit. I have used them on ex racer, 17.2 irish mutt and cob (different sizes obviously).

My first pair I bought for second hand for £10 + postage (facebook group) and rode in them twice a week for almost 9 months before I splashed out on a smarter looking pair. He was find in school and turnout without them.
I trot and canter in mine and we have some pretty muddy patches on hacks - only had one come off once when pony did a big spook/ spin and stood on one as he did so - not really the boots fault!

 

[Marigold4]

I use the Equine Fusion with extra tread. V impressed with them. Have hacked all over the place in them, in mud and cantered on grass with no issue or slipping. I wouldn't jump in them but that's true of any boot. I've used the same boots for 18 months and very little wear and tear. I think they are only suitable for round shaped hoofs though.