Hoof Boots?

[ThreeWBs]

Can someone talk to me about hoof boots for a barefoot horse (I've always had shod horses!)?

We can hack for miles on the tarmac with no issue, but he is footy (front feet only!) on angular stones when out hacking. He has good feet, which are improving daily with a better diet and hoof care routine.

I did ask my farrier about front shoes, but he said to persevere as he's seeing vast improvements.

I'm looking for something simple and easy to use for hacking a couple of times a week - or if anyone has any tips on conditioning his feet, so he's not so ouchie!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Scoot boots are a good choice as they are easy to get on and off but it does depend on the shape of the hoof. Some boots fit rounder rather than longer feet. I have a horse with almost round feet and he wears viper Renegades front and back but they might not fit a horse with narrow feet.

If you look on the Hoof Boutique website there is a good section on measuring the feet. Take photos, send them to Liz and she will advise you on the best boot for the foot and the work you are doing. She can send out fit kits so you know you have the correct size.

For toughening up the soles a good low sugar, low starch diet with a balancer such as equimins or Forage Plus.

 

[zandp]

Hoof Boutique or Urban Horse can advise on what boots will fit his shape feet from photos, there are guides on their websites to how to take the photos.

Conditioning his feet - you need to walk in hand on different surfaces to start with, and as he can get over each surface you can extend the time you're walking and then ride. One of mine is always ouchy on gravel but she has EMS so really needs no grass turnout. In spring we do 5 minute walks on the tracks she has issues with and then increase when she's comfortable by about 5 minutes, when she can walk up and down without stumbling I start the riding on the tracks in walk and then she's normally ok - we've been barefoot 8 years and because of her metabolic issues I need to condition every year. Forage Plus / Pro Hoof have been the best balancers for her but Trinity Consultants might be able to help.

Diet is key really, avoid grazing and hay with rye grass and clover in it, feed a low sugar and starch diet.

 

[hellfire]

I use the easyboot gloves with two of mine. I can’t recommend them enough. I tried various others each with issues including a flying boot nearly taking my friends head out behind me ?. They fit like a glove. I even do pleasure rides with them and have had no issues. You have to get the correct fit and definitely recommend a fit kit.

 

[brighteyes]

I got my Scoots from Urban Horse, after getting two fit kits. Love them.