Hoof boots?

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Scot123

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Wondering if people think it might be worth trying hoof boots?

Have a 'middle-aged' pony just coming back into work (ie hacking). She's always been shoeless and only been used to hacking out on soft tracks/fields.

She also has some potential arthritis making her a bit stiff.

It's obvious that she finds hacking on the hard tarmac or rough forest tracks uncomfortable.

She's never been shod and is very nervous.

I was wondering whether to try hoof boots to see if they help? Or would you go straight to trying to shoe her (I don't want to stress her if I don't have to but maybe boots won't do a good enough job)?

Pleased to know what you think!
 
In our experience Cavallo are very good for this sort of situation. There's some good information about them here -http://www.horseandmore.co.uk/articles/Horse-Boots-For-The-Barefoot-Horse.html
 
Shoes also prevent your horse from growing the shape of hoof she needs to best help with the arthritis. Boots (with pad if required) will protect and cushion but let the hoof grow as it needs. They are also only used as necessary, not 24/7.
 
I would also say if you can borrow some to try,do !!! I have spent the last month researching boots. I have measured his feet every week to get a good idea of how much they grow between trims.
The Cavallo boots according to the size guide should have been the perfect fit. I ordered them and I could litrally spin them round on his feet. In fact they could not have been a worse fit.
I eventually tried my fiends Easy boot Glove, they fit excuse the pun, "like a Glove". According to their size guide I shouldnt even of been able to get them on his feet. The Hoof boutique do a trial service. Have a look at their site x
 
Thanks - that really makes sense re the shoes. I will definitely go for the boots. I'll have a good look at the cavallo, if they're good for this sort of problem then it's a good starting point. I might look at the trial option as well, sounds kind of a sensible thing to offer. Thanks all!
 
Hello (again) - I've just spent the last 2 weeks researching about a million supplements, boots etc etc and I think my mind is well and truly addled. Anyway, have settled on a joint supplement to try.

But reading up on hoof boots and arthritis I came across this quote: "In human runners, cushioned trainers have been shown NOT to protect against concussion - in fact they tend to fool the body into thinking it is running on a soft surface (and so increasing stride length) but they don't reduce impact forces, so they can actually mean that joints suffer more concussion, not less.":confused:

Any thoughts on this??
 
I personally think it might be more to do with foot balance (side to side, medio-lateral or whatever). If this is wrong, then the joints must be under pressure, with no possibility of correction. If the horse is unshod the foot balance presumably equilibrates as the foot wears, if you follow my meaning. Anyway, I have a 19 yr old with coffin joint arthritis who has been much better without shoes. He has Old Macs at the moment but I'm considering trying Cavallo next time.
 
Yes, that does make sense (not sure how/if that equates to humans but still...!). I mean, my common sense is telling me that cushioned boots seem to help ME when walking on hard pavements so surely they'll help my pony? Do you think the boots help your boy feel more comfortable?
 
PLus add to that that shoes create more concussive forces than barefoot. The human quote is presumably about comparing bare feet and trainers; the choice you're making for your horse is probably more comparable to choosing between rigid shoes with a bit of a heel and the foot not equally loaded versus barefoot or trainers...
 
Yes, that's true as well. I think I'll go with (my version of!) common sense and try the boots. Now to spend the next month researching boots...!!
 
Try the boots I find them to be great. I currently have cavellos simples on the front which are great and sports on the back, these dont seem as hard wearing but to be fair to Cavello they do say that

I have tried Easyboot Trails too but found they twisted slightly and seemed a bit flimsy
 
I've just been having a read about the Cavellos. They sound easy to put on which appeals - is that right? Are they quite padded (though I guess you can add pads?) Any reason for the Sports on the hinds/Simples on the fronts? Those and the Equine Fusions sound as though they might be good for minimising concussion, but from a quick look the Fusions look a tad fiddly to put on...

Sorry Webble, that sounds like an interrogation!! I start looking into these things and become a bit obsessed with finding 'the perfect one'!
 
I have simple boots, and they will not stay on in canter! Ft perfectly but come off at high speed. Fine for walk and trot though. I'm currently deciding what to get to replace them when we get front shoes off for the final time in a month or so :)
 
I have cavallo simples and find them pretty good and very quick and easy to put on. My only criticism is that after a while the velcro on the outer straps clogs up with stuff and gets less sticky, so those straps come undone..although the big inner fastening stays shut so they stay on. I lost one recently when my boy slipped and scrabbled up a bank...first one I've ever lost in any conditions or at any speed including deep mud. I also have Old Macs on my other boy. A bit trickier to put on...by seconds...and never lost one or had any problems with rubbing. On the whole, the Old Macs seem slightly better quality and wear better IMO.
 
I have an ex race horse who's hooves will not grow if shod, I have tried everything including glue on shoes which were fantastic and I hunted in but could not afford the price as long term solution. The first time I had to give up on shoes I had boa boots great on tarmac but no good on grass or mud as very little traction, but the horse liked them and was comfortable. I currently have the cavello simples on the front and the sports on the back, I do not think my boy is as comfortable and worry about rubbing and pressure on heel bulbs as he has under run heels. Plus his feet seem to be changing shape so suddenly the fronts are twisting we have the pads and gators, but not convinced these are the best long term solution for him. Having said that the grip is better on grass and muddy tracks (so far).

I still want to hunt has anyone any experience of a boot that will cope with that level of work and will fit a horse with under run heels?
 
I have just taken my lad barefoot and have the cavallo simples, went for a hack the other day and had an accidental gallop and i was so surprised they stayed on :) so far i've been impressed with them
 
I am SO glad to just read your message! After much deliberating, I ordered the cavallo simples a couple of days ago and am just waiting for them to be delivered. Can't wait to try them. I like that - an 'accidental' gallop!
 
Shy has cavellos, and they are sooo easy to put on, once you figure them out. I only use them occasionally, but they have never moved once on, and he quite likes them (well he shows off in them). :D
 
OP, I agree that Cavello Simples are probably the way to go.

Jjsblackhorse - try the Old Mac G2s. I've not hunted in mine, but have done pleasure rides, cross-country, and pretty much everything else. They've never moved or rubbed and one of my mares has very peculiar feet! (They're also going into their 6th year of hard use and still in great condition!)
 
Have had Cavallo simples (front) and Sport (hinds) on 26 year old who can't tolerate nail on shoes any more. (Fine in glue ons but at £180/pair cost is now a bit prohibitive when he is basically retired.) He wears just the fronts out in field all day and hinds too if going hacking. Had them for about 2 years now and they're still going strong. Have never had one come off, either cahooning round in field or cantering out hacking.
 
Just looked at Robinsons - so very relieved they didn't have the size I need, I'd have been gutted after my full price ones just arrived today!!
 
Don't get the fusions folks! They sounds fabulous but don't last very long,plus fiddly to put on. Cavallo s or easy boot back country are the easiest, stayon well,and for the op,importantly, you can fit comfort pads. The pads supplied with cavallo are a start, but the comfort pads are better. Has worked for two of ours as they have aged and started feeling hard ground
 
OP - re concussion. Arguably the most important elements of concussion absorption are the hoof mechanism/digital cushion/lateral cartilages. These are all negatively impacted by metal shoes. Hoof boots as well as providing better protection to soles are rarely worn 24/7, thus allowing the hoof mechanism/digital cushion/lateral cartilages to work and build substance. If you have ever felt the difference in quality of DC/LC in the typical shod horse compared to a long time working bare it is very noticeable.
 
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