Hoof boots?

[RachelB]

Next question!!
My horse is barefoot and fairly footsore and I need to start walking her out in-hand soon. Her hooves are currently taking their time healing over the huge holes my vet cut in them so I can't have her shod, and I was thinking about using hoof boots.

Does anyone use hoof boots and which type would you recommend? A friend of mine uses the Marquis ones and really likes them, but I've also seen the Old Macs ones and the Boa ones and I don't know what to do! Recommendations welcome

 

[GoJo]

i've got the easycare epics for my boy, great in all conditions and don't rub. you can do a trial with them as well .

 

[RachelB]

Oh now that is very interesting, my horse is a pain in the backside and is bound to hate them if I buy them outright so a trial would be a really good idea. Thanks I'll google them

 

[Diggerdog]

www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk can advise which type of boots will fit your horses feet best and they also hire them out to try.

I currently use Easyboot Grips or Epics on both of mine. I also use pads in the boots for extra cushioning. They can be awkward to put on to start with, but it is well worth persevering.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

I love my Boas, same set for 18 mths, no probs whatsoever except the optional gaiters which are sposed to prevent rubbing were the only thing that rubbed! madam has round regular shaped but very flat feet, not enough height for the gaiters but no rubbing without and no issues even at gallop.

I got the Boas as the 'dial' tightening seemed a lot easier esp when out and you want to be double sure and you want to just click them one more notch tighter, great!

 

[gothdolly]

I use the easy boot, it takes time to get them on at first but its worth persevering!

 

[Silverspring]

I have always loved the idea of these boots! My mare is awful in traffic so we would do a maximum of 15 mins road work a week and that's made up nipping on and off road to get betweeen fields and paths. I've often though that she'd be better barefoot (and so would my bank balance) and I could just put boots on to hack with, do you think her feet would toughen up if left barefoot? And if so how long would it take?