Question about Hoof Boots and pads

asommerville

asommerville

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Having just got some boots for the ginger one (cavallo simples) I have a few questions.

I have watched some videos on Youtube and it looks really easy to put them on – is it actually as easy as that?

There is no mention in the videos of pads and wraps – the boots come with both. Should I just use the pads that come with them? I have seen some posts where people have bought separate ones.

Also I have seen a number of people say that they put on thick socks instead of wraps..any advice on this?

Sorry if I sound like a numpty – I am better with them having shoes on 
 
I didn't use anything initially but on long fast rides found they rub a little. Socks weren't ideal for mine so I am going on our inaugural vet wrapped pastern hack, to try that.

They are as easy as all that to put on too.
 
They are really easy to put on, yes.

The wraps, on the other hand, don't seem very useful, and many people don't bother using them. In the event of rubs, people often go out and buy the Easyboot wraps instead - more effective and easier to put on. My first boots were Old Macs, and they never rubbed my horse even without the wraps - but he's fairly robust! More delicate souls might need some protection. My friend swears by Lanacane powder!

The Cavallo gel pads are good as cushioning for hooves that might be a bit tender, but they aren't marketed as having any beneficial effect on the hooves. The pads you can buy from some trimmers both cushion the hoof but also stimulate the sole and frog, and these do seem to help improve the condition of the hoof. That's why some folk buy these instead of the Cavallo gel pads. They're the square ones at the bottom of this page, for e.g. (you cut them to fit the boots yourself). http://www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk/Pads

Hope that helps a bit!
 
Yes they really are that easy to put on. The gaiters that come with them though are completely useless and don't stay put. The easycare gaiters are much better as they go under the foot.

The Cavallo pads that come with the boots are fine but easycare do some 6mm and 12mm pads if you need more padding - but you need to be aware that the 12mm ones do take up quite a bit of room in the boot!

I tend to use 12mm ones just after a trim, then as the time between trims goes on I move to the 6mm ones and then finally to the Cavallo ones. Mine doesn't need the gaiters any more as the boots have moulded to her feet perfectly and they don't rub at all.
 
Hi there,
I use the boots and they are really easy to put on. When it comes to sizing they should have a bit of wiggle room, but if you can rotate them, they are too big. The gel pads that come with the boots are great for extra cushioning. The wraps may not be necessary, but can be good whilst you are working in the boots. I don't actually use the wraps myself as they are a bit of a fiddle and my horse doesn't need them. Horse and More are really helpful if you need any help or advice.
 
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