Recommend me some hoof boots...

S

Shilasdair

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Hi all
Can you recommend me some comfortable hoof boots for a very laminitic Tb's hind feet to enable me to get her to the field and back without her becoming even more footsore behind?
Her feet are flat-soled, longer than wide, and fairly shallow (if you understand what I mean by that :p).
She'd be hobbling to the field and back in them but obviously not doing any work.
Thanks!
S :D
 
I would go for easy to use boots for this purpose.. (rather than the good for riding type which can be a bit fiddlier) Something like the Cavallo Boots... It all depends a bit on the proportions of the hoof.. I think you can get pads too to insert in the boots to provide extra protection... Once you've figured out the best type of boot and appropriate size it can be very worth while hunting down 2nd hand boots on the net.

Another option might be the Easyboot Glove shells only (sold as glue ons...) depends on how well they conform to the hooves.. but if you go for this option get the fit kit first as this will indicate whether they'd work
 
Thanks - I did try some Easyboot Gloves a while ago - when she lost a shoe, but they didn't fit at all as her hoof is so shallow. :(
I was wondering about the Trail ones...or one of the velcro wrap around sorts?
S :D
 
Ah, so it wasn't these you meant:(

hooves-boots-007.jpg


Joking apart I hope she's more comfortable in herself - apart from the walk to the field of course.
 
Cavallo sports boot, really suit the hoof that's not as wide as it is long, plus very easy to slip on, also easy to look after as you can hose and scrub and they stand up to this really well.
 
cavallos with EVA pads although even the Sports versions suit more rounder feet than very narrow. but if it's only to get her to field and back they are good vfm, easy to use and robust-look on ebay for some better prices. the Trails are just arse backward cavallos IMO and Gloves are a nice idea but work better in theory than in practice IME.
 
I've got easyboot epics and just got cavallos for her back feet - the cavallos are easier to get on and off so when the easyboots wear out i'll be replacing them with cavallos. The slip in pads are good. When I spoke to my barefoot trimmer she said the sports ones have slightly less tread than the normal ones - they're more expensive than the standard ones I think and being as I only use them to drive my mare in I wanted the extra tread! All depends on size and shape of feet really. Old mac g2s are good too.

Whereabouts are you cos someone my way is selling off a couple of sets of old macs? Might be worth looking second hand if they're just to help her come in and out from the field?
 
or you could make a temperary boot yourself, if it is just to stop her feeling small stones and grit. I did for one of my ponies a few years ago.
I cut a piece of tube bandage to fit hoof pull it over hoof until the toe is at one end, you can put vet wrap on as well but i didnt, then to keep in place and form a boot, wrap with duck tape, keeping to the hoof onley. As i said temperary, but easy anough to do each time, and it works for footy ponies.
 
Shilasdair said:
Nah, she's pretty damn lame. It's all I can do to get her to the field. Ah, the joy of laminitis.
S :D
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How far does she have to go and would duct tape and, say, several layers of yoga mat type material stay on long enough. That way you get a custom fit.

I really hoped she was going to pick up for you like mine has.:(
 
Why is she going in the girlfriend if she's lame? Surely grass is the last thing a laminitis horse needs?! And the movement will be causing further damage to the laminae.
 
You have to get the right type of boot for your horses foot SHAPE. You CAN'T just buy the type that you like the look of - it has to fit the dimensions of your hoof.

If you go on the Easycare website they have all the measurements for their range of boots - and there are many types.
You measure the hoof across the widest part and then you measure bars to toe. You have to then work out which fits your horse best. SOme are wide not long, others are pretty round, others are long not wide. Plus they all come in a range of sizes - you have to choose the best fit.

I ended up with Boa boots for mine because his feet were longer than they were wide. I have been using these all summer and have found them very good. However not for turnout. I wouldn't like them getting too muddy as the mud would clog up the dial fitting.

I think if I had to turn out in them I would go for some with which you could buy gaiters.
 
cm2581 said:
Why is she going in the girlfriend if she's lame? Surely grass is the last thing a laminitis horse needs?! And the movement will be causing further damage to the laminae.
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Hmmmm
I am getting old, but I don't recall posting any of the following questions;
1. Should my horse go in the field?
2. Should I feed my laminitic horse grass?
3. Will moving my laminitic horse cause further damage to the laminae?
It's great that you answered them anyway!
Thanks! :p :D
S :D

PS Do keep up!
 
Thanks to everyone who posted helpful suggestions - I have measured her hinds and they are 120mm long, and almost the same wide - maybe 118mm. She is due a trim.
Would size 2 or 3 Cavallos sound right?
S :D
 
My farrier told me that if ever unsure/in between sizes to go for the size bigger, its easier to pad out than to stretch.

Hope you find some that are suitable.
 
Yes after a lot of re-searching I decided Cavallos would be best value, but be careful in the measuring as you have to pay 2xp&P if wrong size [£14.00 extra], if in doubt email supplier first.
In the case of Cavallos I was told to go for the smaller size if "on the cusp", also have feet trimmed before measuring [esp with fronts]
Second hand ones hold their price, which is good news too.
 
bensababy said:
My farrier told me that if ever unsure/in between sizes to go for the size bigger, its easier to pad out than to stretch.

Hope you find some that are suitable.
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Thanks, Bensababy.
I'll maybe order both sizes, and return the wrong ones.
(And for anyone concerned for my horse's welfare including that awful Fii :p :D - don't be - I am following vet advice). :D
S :D
 
EasyCare make one designed for this type of thing - http://www.easycareinc.com/our_boots/easyboot_rx/easyboot_rx.aspx - haven't tried it though. After my mare had lami, following a general anaesthetic, she spent several months in Old Macs with foam pads in the bottom (in the field).
I ordered some Cavallo's a while ago, measured very carefully and ordered the matching size and when they came they were like welly boots - she would have needed at least two sizes smaller. I gave up on them then.
 
Shilasdair said:
(And for anyone concerned for my horse's welfare including that awful Fii :p :D - don't be - I am following vet advice). :D
S :D
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fair anough, thats me told then:D
TBH i did think twice about saying that, but would have if it had been anyone else.
And knowing you, the thread could have been you just trying to catch people out, and then saying "what, you recommend boots instead of box rest"??!!
Oh and by the way i friend requested you on FB, you old bint!
 
As you will most likely remember my old girl was a laminitic.

We tried the 'Cavallo simple hoof boots' which were just excellent, gave my sensitive footed girl a totally new lease of life, I also got the boa boot wraps, made from neoprene to ensure she was comfy. Highly recommend them :)
 
Just to add, I went for Cavallos as Serens feet were pretty much as long as they were wide, think I got her a size 4, trying to remember her measurements around 134mm by 138mm, they fit perfectly
 
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