Introducing new booties to a nervous neddy

[JosieSmith]

I have just got some new turnout boots and travel boots courtesy of the horseworld sale in Gateshead

However, my mare is so nervous of them I might never be able to use them. She's fine with fronts but terrified of backs. When I finally got one turnout boot on the other day she was shaking and trying to run away from them (in her stable), luckily I had her headcollar and leadrope on and managed to grab her and quickly pull it off before I got trampled. Haven't tried back travel boots yet

I'm determined she's going to wear them and figured if I put her in the outdoor school (sand surface) then get someone to hold her while I put them on, then walk her round until she settles down, which I'm sure she will eventually, would be better than on the yard, if she panicks there she could hurt herself. Then leave her loose in school, then turn out with them on?

I'm sure she'll be fine after she gets used to them but she's never really had to come to terms with anything like this before (previous owner didn't try). I have been told she doesn't like travel boots but her last owner did mollicoddle her a bit.

 

[mattilda]

Yep I'd do the 2 person thing in the school. Start with just one, walk a few strides and take it off. Slowly slowly does it. Good luck!

 

[JosieSmith]

Ok thanks, believe it or not she's 20, just very unconfident (is that a word?

) and terrified of her own shadow! I treat her like a baby most of the time, works well!

 

[Annagain]

Try leaving the top strap fairly loose (just tight enough for the end of the strap to meet the end of the velcro) to begin with. As long as the others are done up they won't slip and she'll be able to move her legs more freely so won't feel like she's trapped in them. Once she's used to them you can tighten the strap. It worked with my boy who clearly had never worn them until he came to me aged 9.

 

[JosieSmith]

Good idea annagain, will try that too