As above, I have moved yards to one where all the geldings are out together. They are a pretty placid bunch but as a precaution I have boots on mine all the time.
Is this a good idea?
My TB mare has been turned out every day in back boots for about three years now (breathable legacy brushing boots) and no problems to report as long as the boots are kept clean and washed regularly.
thats fine as long as you are happy to deal with the rubs and sweaty legs etc! personally i wouldnt! if they are a nice bunch he will find his place! unless he is worth 20 grand plus.
I personally wouldnt because its not great for the skin. If you do you will need several sets, keep them very clean and make sure they are as breathable as possible. There is no such thing as a completely breathable boot and particlarly in the summer the legs will sweat. Even if the legs/boots look clean, sweat = bacteria if not washed everyday and washing legs that often leads to other problems!
One of mine goes out in a full set of boots plus overreach. He's a bit silly out in the field plus is competed so a bit more molly coddled! He's only out during the day and of course has them off in the stable at night.
If your horse has them on 24/7 then I don't think this is a good thing. I have put boots on others when introducing a new mix of horses but just for one day while they sort the pecking order out!
Hi - i turn mine out in brushing boots when he's in the field - he doesn't stay out 24/7 so its 12 hours with boots on / 12 hours with boots off. I have several pairs that i continually wash etc, and in 4 years have never had a problem with grease /scurf / rubs underneath (i use the neoprene ones which are generally very close fitting which may help prevent mud etc getting underneath)
He's forever coming in with scratches / lumps and bumps and his body is like a dot-to-dot with tiny scars etc; the only place which is completely clear of any marks is under his boots . I dread to think what his spindly TB legs would be like without them.
I used to turn out in boots all the time my horse was such an idiot in the field and never had any problems with them.
I would rather them rip there boots than cut there legs!
However i dont turn out in boots as often as i used to as i am on a much smaller hard and horse is more settled, but will still always put boots on if he changes field or we have a new horse come and is likely to hooley round the field.
Maybe when your horse has found his place in the field you wont have to boot up all the time.
Thanks for the replies, I have removed the boots as the boys are pretty placid and he has found himself a field buddy and already they are behaving like a pair of old queens.
I have always tried not to but mine has been swapped over to natural balance shoes as of today.. so now will be in overreach boots and finally I am putting hind boots in because he has been really cutting into himself.
However, mine only goes out for 1/2 day, winter or summer. Its not because he IS precious, its because he behaves in a precious way... and has a bad habit of attempting to take himself in after a couple of hours - regardless of the grass etc out there. He is desperate to go out and then equally desperate to come in!
I've never turned out in boots. Well, the only time I ever have done was when introducing a new one, so I'll keep boots on for like 2 or 3 days until they've stopped the galloping about stuff. Otherwise, never do.