If he doesn't cope without shoes?

Don't worry - they were just to get you going and see how sizes etc. worked out for you and I'm not precious about them! It's good news that he was happy to walk around in them (well, in one!) because now you know boots will keep him comfortable.

I wouldn't rate the Trails at all to be honest, so don't be thinking that's what boots are usually like ;) The Cavallos are much more robust (as are the Old Macs) and both would prob be fine for turnout. From what you say he'll probably be OK in the field without boots anyway, so just use them as you said, to get over the rough stony bits between stable and field.

Just work out your Cavallo sizing carefully (speak to the Hoofbootique lady for advice) and all will be well ;)
 
[URL=http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/empyrox/media/deans/20130506_07

Admiring his trainers :) I'm delighted with how much happier he was in them. Will phone the hoof boot lady tomorrow .
 
Well. Turn up for the books. I spoke to farrier re removing the remaining two shoes on Monday and... he thinks it is a great idea!!!!!! When I asked him previously he didn't think Deano would cope but he says he is all in favour of the boots and that Deano is never going to hold shoes the way the remedial farrier wanted them so this is a better option. I am flabbergasted. Just shows you what can happen if you really push for something. He will decide for me on Monday whether to take away all four at once or leave the back ones for now.

Well anyway... lovely lady at the hoof boutique recommends these for Deano after giving her all my information. Any experiences either positive or negative or things to be wary of?

http://www.hoofbootique.co.uk/boots/manufacturer/equine-fusion/equine-fusion-jogging-shoe-ultra.html
 
have you joined the phoenix forum? there have been a couple of posts on there about them albeit mainly using them for work rather than what you need them for :)
 
I've just ordered the Equine Fusion Performance Boots for my mare, which apparently are the same as the Ultras but better for off-road (I need them for very stony ground). The lady at the Hoof Boutique spoke very highly of them, so I will let you know how we get on with them. She said they would be dispatched today so hopefully they will arrive in the next few days :)
 
I would just double check one thing with her ;)

You may want to use them just for leading to and from field for a while - ask her how easy and quick they are to get on and off, especially if feet are not perfectly clean.

I say this because my main gripe with hoof boots is that living in wet muddy Scotland, without access to hosepipes :D I seem to have a permanent collection of impossible to clean boots. The Fusions look to me to be a potential nightmare to clean, although I think they'd be great if you lived somewhere dry, or if you were putting them on clean dry feet in a stable.

I really like the look of them but the amount of fabric and straps would put me off (unless they can go in the washing machine!)

ETA - link to a previous thread on them... http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/archive/index.php/t-554739.html

Some people on the forum are already using them, you could PM for advice.
 
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My Equine Fusion boots have arrived :D
I haven't had the chance to try them out properly yet, but my first impressions are very positive. I tried them on and they seemed a very good fit, so used them to turn my mare out as our yard and farm tracks are incredibly stony. They really seemed to help, and she seemed very comfortable in them :D. She won't be wearing them all the time as she only has trouble with very stony ground, but they do seem to offer plenty of protection and I know that there are extra pads to go with them if need be. I obviously don't need to turn her out in them, but I don't see any particular reason why you couldn't, as they're made from really nice material, a bit like a trainer, so I don't think they would rub, and they don't look like they would come off easily.
 
Oh fab thanks!! Just seeing these replies, don't know how I missed them :/ Ordered mine today, hoof lady said they should work as well as any boots for turnout but I'm not sure whether he'll really need them in the field or if I am wrapping him in cotton wool. Literally at the moment until our boots arrive!
 
Update - all four shoes are off. My farrier said he would struggle to get a shoe on the hind with the chunk missing so they all came off at once. He was in good spirits afterwards but noticable more comfy in Brightbay's boots and with the lami pads in place. He had a good night - eating, moving around, lying down as normal and walked out to the field happily this morning. Only problem is getting the first boot on / taking the second boot off when he really has to take his weight on one bare front. Our field is rough and stony at the gate and he was very short heading over that but looked much more comfortable once he hit the softer ground and he headed off up the hill to his usual favourite spot so I'm pretty pleased so far.
Fingers crossed.
 
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