How long after going barefoot can I ride my boy in boots?

Jinete12

Jinete12

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I recently took on my 7yr old TB from a racing yard and he has shocking feet. His hoof walls are really thin and nails just pull through them like a cheese wires through cheese. He's on Farriers Formula and Cornucrescine which will obvisously take a long time to have an effect. Each time he pulls a shoe off he manages to step on a nail and get an abscess so today I've decided we're going barefoot! Both vet and farrier have recommended it to give his hooves a break and allow more time for decent hoof growth to occur and the shoes are coming off tomorrow!

When he's barefoot he's usually quite sore which is understandable seeing as he's probably never been barefoot since he was a yearling. I'm going to buy him some Cavallo boots so that we can carry on riding, but was wondering what people think re time scale for bringing him back into work once the shoes have been removed. If he's sore barefoot, will he still be sore with the boots on? I'm going to buy gel pads to help and would really value people's opinions/experiences.
 
I'm not sure about the Cavallo boots (never used them) but I have used the Easyboots. You can get pads to go inside the Easyboots, to help if they are a little sore. If he is a little sore, I would personally pop some of the pads in to start with - they really made a difference to my mare in the beginning.

The pads with the Easyboots are foam pads, and come in 2 different thicknesses.

If you have a look here:

http://www.easycareinc.com/education/new_to_boots.aspx

There is a guide to the shape of the boots, so you can see what one would best suit your horse. I can't praise the easyboots highly enough - the one pair of boots that we had completely worn out had lasted for just under 2 years - and that was doing a majority of road work (8 - 10 miles about 5 times a week) and also off roading, jumping - you name it, we did it in our boots! :)

When I took my girls shoes off I took her out straight away with the boots on - just for short rides to start with to get her used to the boots. The easyboots have the advantage that they sit below the hair line, so there is nothing that can rub on the horse. They then have their gaiters attached, which gives a really good securing point.
 
Every TB I have had - and there have been a few(!) have had problems with their feet in the first year - I (being a traditionalist) have continued with shoeing - using pads with a few - and within a year - all are OK - and (touch wood) don't suffer from foot problems thereafter......Expensive - I freely admit for that first year......I suspect that few TB's unless, they just do schooling in menages and dressage comps will thrive shoeless - there will be someone who proves me wrong - but our hunting, for example, is no stoney land - ouch!
 
Agree with the Easyboots recommendation - they are great! You do need to make sure you get the right shape and size of boot otherwise you will get really frustrated - the Easycare website has loads of help with sizing and some barefoot trimmers carry boots that they could fit to your horse. Mine all wear boots at various times and have galloped and jumped in them happily. If you get it right, and use the pads, you should just be able to ride as normal, although it's a good idea to build up slowly to let them get used to the slightly different feel of the boots.
If you have a look at barefoot threads on here you will see how much success people are having with performance horses, and you could also have a look at Pete Ramey's website and the books 'Feet First' by Barker and Braithwaite, and Jaime Jackson's series of books.
 
I have an ex racehorse who was sadly diagnosed with Navicular 10 weeks ago. Can I suggest that you get hold of a really good barefoot trimmer who can help you along? I went the barefoot route to rehabilitate my boy and he is now totally sound. I ride him in boots on the road as we are still going through the stage of growing and developing his feet so that he will eventually have rock hard feet.

I was told that there was no way we would manage without remedial shoeing. I presonally went with an AEP. Within a week of taking his shoes off i walked him out in hand in front boots and he was fine. this was for 4 weeks then riding on grass for 4 weeks and for the last couple of weeks we are 'barefoot' hooray

Good luck
 
Thanks for sharing your experience Flo_Bell. It's so good to hear from someone who the boots have worked for. I really like the sound of the Easyboots because they fit below the hairline, but have been told that they wouldn't be suitable for my boy because he has a club foot so I'm opting for the Cavallos. I'll definitely be using pads in them to start with though.
Dressedkez - I have to confess, I feel like you, I really didn't want to take the barefoot option. I can deal with shoes flying off every week or few days, but the fact that he ALWAYS manages to stand on a nail or the toe clip and puncture his sole is a real nightmare. He's only been sound enough to ride for 3 days out of the last 9 weeks due to bruising and abscesses caused by stepping on nails :(
I'm gutted about going barefoot, but feel it;s the best option for him (and my sanity!) The only reason I'm dubious about it is because I've never done it before, but I know that loads of people swear by it and I'm open to anything at the moment if it helps him.
 
Thanks Soloequestrian, I hope I have as much luck as you've had with the boots.
Rupertsmum, thanks for your advice. It's great to hear that your boy has come sound with barefoot trimming and boots. I hope mine goes the same way. Out of interest, does he have boxy hooves? Which boots are you using?
 
I use Caballos and pad them with home made neoprene pads as recommended by the users forum. He pulled a front shoe the night before attending a Lucinda Green xc clinic so on went the Caballo and he was incredibly spring heeled.
As I had the back woman out today he will be having his shoes off this week followed by 4 weeks in hand stretching exercises followed by another visit from the back woman followed by a barefoot trimming session with a view to him going back into conventional shoes once his muscles have ben sorted out.
 
You can buy Solemates to go inside the boots for extra protection, which also help the hoof to condition. They can sometimes be picked up for a reasonable price on Ebay.
 
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