Scoot Boots or Explora Magic

[paddy555]

I do like the Vipers I have for one horse, but find them pretty lethal on wet grass, or when we get a layer of mud over hard ground. The Scoots are better in these situations.
I like how Vipers don't rub, but dislike how rigid they are - I guess that's a circle that can't be squared

Definitely going to investigate EM's, based on this thread!

interesting how horses are so different. Vipers are the only boots I trust on wet grass and/or mud.

 

[Gloi]

interesting how horses are so different. Vipers are the only boots I trust on wet grass and/or mud.

Easyboot Grips were the best on grass imho. Sadly no longer made.

 

[paddy555]

Easyboot Grips were the best on grass imho. Sadly no longer made.

yes but boots need enough strength in the treads to give lots of wear on roads, tracks etc. If you were just riding on grass there wouldn't be much point in putting boots on.

 

[FitzyFitz]

I have another query: this with Exploras, do they 'give' over time appreciably? (I'm thinking for the back ones).

A bit. Mine are easier to put on now than they were when brand new (still stay secure) and if I'm removing then replacing them for some reason during the same day they are easier to put on the second time.

They can also be heat fitted if the shape is a tad out for your horse.

 

[Gloi]

yes but boots need enough strength in the treads to give lots of wear on roads, tracks etc. If you were just riding on grass there wouldn't be much point in putting boots on.

I'll admit that they didn't wear well on roads but they were good when there was the mixture of grass and stone forestry tracks we were riding on.

 

[Taliesan]

I have another query: this with Exploras, do they 'give' over time appreciably? (I'm thinking for the back ones).

There is no give in the shells at all from my experience. They are what they are.

There is some give in the straps, but they will not alter the fit of the boot. I've found that I can put the straps on hole three with they are 'cold' and the boots are first on but I can easily move them up a hole after they've been on the feet for a couple of minutes.

You can adjust the boots between the short and long fitting. Or is it the width that is an issue for your horse rather than the length?

 

[Zoeypxo]

No experience with the specific boots asked about but have to say in my experience cavallo treks have been absolutely brilliant.

Mine buggered off doing laps of the field in the torrential rain the other day before i could take them off, she did all sorts of acrobatics and full speed ahead gallops (field is also on a a hill) didnt slip once.
She hasnt slipped at all wearing cavallos out hacking but used to slip on the road in shoes.
I got rid of my flex boots they were a nightmare twisting falling off you name it.

Someone else on my yard has flex infront and explora magics behind, her pony does go pretty full speed ahead most hacks and he doesnt slip. It really seems to be trial and error for some horses !

 

[SEL]

There is no give in the shells at all from my experience. They are what they are.

There is some give in the straps, but they will not alter the fit of the boot. I've found that I can put the straps on hole three with they are 'cold' and the boots are first on but I can easily move them up a hole after they've been on the feet for a couple of minutes.

You can adjust the boots between the short and long fitting. Or is it the width that is an issue for your horse rather than the length?

Sorry jumping on Red's post

Would they work for a pony with short wide fronts? She's got quirky feet (I have x rays) and has been barefoot for 13 years but our mixed use tracks are making her sore

 

[Taliesan]

Sorry jumping on Red's post

Would they work for a pony with short wide fronts? She's got quirky feet (I have x rays) and has been barefoot for 13 years but our mixed use tracks are making her sore

If the feet are a lot wider than they are long then possibly not. However, if the length fits then maybe?

My horse has very flared front feet (at last the new growth coming down is tighter so the flares should grow out in a few months) so his feet at the moment are much wider than they are long.

The boots fit him lengthwise really well and I can squeeze them on over his flares - it just means that they kind of stick out the little side gaps of the boots. This doesn't bother him at all and the boots don't rub or move in any way.

If if would help you I'm happy to get photos tomorrow to show what I mean, as well as measure his front feet so you can see how that relates to your horse's measurements?

 

[Red-1]

There is no give in the shells at all from my experience. They are what they are.

There is some give in the straps, but they will not alter the fit of the boot. I've found that I can put the straps on hole three with they are 'cold' and the boots are first on but I can easily move them up a hole after they've been on the feet for a couple of minutes.

You can adjust the boots between the short and long fitting. Or is it the width that is an issue for your horse rather than the length?

The fronts are perfect with the Explora. The backs were a bit tight for the slim but a bit roomy for the normal.

 

[Taliesan]

The fronts are perfect with the Explora. The backs were a bit tight for the slim but a bit roomy for the normal.

Sounds like my horse. The 3s were too big for his back feet but the 2s way too small. I ended up putting Easycare Comfort Pads in both back boots to try and take up some of the space.

It did work and they fit much better but, as the boots are still on the large side for him and he twists his back feet on takeoff, they do twist a bit. Despite this they've never rubbed him and he doesn't seem to mind that the boots have rotated.

I've tried shoving vet wrap down the sides between his boot and hoof to stop the twist. Didn't work. Tried the same with old socks. Didn't work. The next thing on my list to try is some offcuts of boot padding to see if they can take up the extra space on the sides to stop the boots moving.

With my other horse, who also has Exploras for his back feet, they've never twisted at all. I've cantered across fields and up tracks to test the stickability and the boots didn't budge one bit. Admittedly they are a snug fit though and he was a borderline 3. 4s were too big and 3s are ok if I've just trimmed his feet.

The Flex boots were a nightmare for him as they always twisted or pinged off anytime we did something faster than a walk.

 

[Boulty]

Following this thread with interest. Using cavello treks on mine atm but I don’t feel the horse trusts the grip in them. I really like the grip on the equine fusions (& so did he) but his feet have become wider so they don’t fit anymore (& if I go up a size they’re too long for him… he basically needs a “wide” width fitting which they don’t do!). (Incidentally I’ve got a pair of 14 & pair of 15 trekking if anyone is looking with virtually no wear)

I’ve always been put off scoots as found them a pain to put on when I rode a friends horse in them & I’ve heard about the issues with them rubbing.

I was initially interested in the explora magics but my YO had some and she’s had a lot of issues with them twisting but none of you have mentioned that so maybe I should give them another look. My concern is that my horse does land a bit laterally on both fronts and so is going to be at risk of twisting anything that’s not a tight fit (boots do actually tend to make him move straighter which is part of reason I use them on him). Feet are also a tad wonky (straightening them makes him move worse) Also does anyone know if they’ll take a pad?

 

[Taliesan]

Following this thread with interest. Using cavello treks on mine atm but I don’t feel the horse trusts the grip in them. I really like the grip on the equine fusions (& so did he) but his feet have become wider so they don’t fit anymore (& if I go up a size they’re too long for him… he basically needs a “wide” width fitting which they don’t do!). (Incidentally I’ve got a pair of 14 & pair of 15 trekking if anyone is looking with virtually no wear)

I’ve always been put off scoots as found them a pain to put on when I rode a friends horse in them & I’ve heard about the issues with them rubbing.

I was initially interested in the explora magics but my YO had some and she’s had a lot of issues with them twisting but none of you have mentioned that so maybe I should give them another look. My concern is that my horse does land a bit laterally on both fronts and so is going to be at risk of twisting anything that’s not a tight fit (boots do actually tend to make him move straighter which is part of reason I use them on him). Feet are also a tad wonky (straightening them makes him move worse) Also does anyone know if they’ll take a pad?

I find if the Exploras fit well then they don't move. But I can only speak from my experience with my horses.

I know plenty of people use Flex boots without them budging but they were a nightmare for me.

The Exploras for one of my horses are too big at the back and I have used an Easycare Comfort Pad in them. The size I went for was the 12mm as my horse's feet really were rather small compared to the boot.

However, I would say that if the boot fits well/snugly then you probably couldn't get much of a pad in there in addition to the hoof.

 

[Boulty]

Hmmm food for thought then. I’ve heard the flex have crap grip that doesn’t last long so not overly interested in them. Might have to investigate the exploras properly. It’s just whether they’ll work with his wonkyness! Need to offload the surplus fusions first though to generate funds!

 

[SEL]

If the feet are a lot wider than they are long then possibly not. However, if the length fits then maybe?

My horse has very flared front feet (at last the new growth coming down is tighter so the flares should grow out in a few months) so his feet at the moment are much wider than they are long.

The boots fit him lengthwise really well and I can squeeze them on over his flares - it just means that they kind of stick out the little side gaps of the boots. This doesn't bother him at all and the boots don't rub or move in any way.

If if would help you I'm happy to get photos tomorrow to show what I mean, as well as measure his front feet so you can see how that relates to your horse's measurements?

Photos would be great thank you.
No rush - lorry ramp has an issue so my planned hacks are on hold

 

[expanding_horizon]

I think rubbing is very specific to individual horses. I've used the actual same boots on different horses and some rub and some don't.

Sadly, given the cost, it's a matter of trial and error.

I would say, though, that Renegades are by far the least likely to rub as nothing on them that touches a live part of the horse moves.

They are fiddly to set up but very easy to fit once set up. They do have an exposed back edge on the sole and for that reason I wouldn't jump in them and they could be a problem on a horse which over reaches.
.

This issue if referring to scoots is when back strap does rub, which I also found can be months into using them it can do a huge amount of damage

I have another query: this with Exploras, do they 'give' over time appreciably? (I'm thinking for the back ones).

Only marginally I think. My fronts are slightly too small on biggest setting backs are perfect on smallest setting. Six months on fronts are maybe slightly easier to put on.

 

[Taliesan]

Photos would be great thank you.
No rush - lorry ramp has an issue so my planned hacks are on hold

I'm sorry to hear about your lorry ramp. I hope you can get it fixed soon.

I'll get the photos and measurements for you tomorrow and PM them across.

 

[Red-1]

Hmmm food for thought then. I’ve heard the flex have crap grip that doesn’t last long so not overly interested in them. Might have to investigate the exploras properly. It’s just whether they’ll work with his wonkyness! Need to offload the surplus fusions first though to generate funds!

I can attest to that. My Flex boots are fabulous on the road but when the farmer had been driving on and off his field and there was a thin layer of mud on the surface, he slipped all of the time. One time his leg went right out from under him. and the boot did come off.

Then, on the bridleway, where the mud was slightly thicker but still slick, he was always slipping and sliding. I just kept to walk, kept it all short striding and was managing until one day someone was illegally shooting on the field next to us (and leaving deer carcases behind). BH is steady away but the sudden close shot made him jump (only on the spot) but it was on the slippery mud and one back leg slid, so he rebalanced and both back legs lost traction, he scrabbled and lost both fronts too and fell right to the floor. There he wallowed, completely unable to get traction to get up. I rolled off to allow him better ability to rise and still he was unable to find his feet for a frightening amount of time, until one back boot fell off as the strap had broken. He then lost the other one finally getting up.

For context, I was easily able to walk on the mud. It was not freaky mud or anything. BH is normal in his ability to handle mud in shoes or barefoot. The boots weren't that much worn, the tread was still good. It is wide and shallow tread even when new.

Never stepped on slick mud with the Flex boots since! Once I am set up with new ones, they will be for sale. I had been warned about this on another hoof boot thread, when I'd said I had Flex boots and was happy with them in response to someone asking what people used. Happily BH wasn't injured and I started taking the rucksack to remove them when crossing mud, but it is hardly convenient!

 

[McGrools]

Explora magics. Should ‘clip’ onto the hoof if the right fit. Absolutely no movement at all. I cant imagine the hoof shell will give it is made of fairly firm material. I am confident galloping and on grass in them.
Mine are going for a good jolly round a wet farm ride this morning. I will report back later.

 

[Red-1]

Explora magics. Should ‘clip’ onto the hoof if the right fit. Absolutely no movement at all. I cant imagine the hoof shell will give it is made of fairly firm material. I am confident galloping and on grass in them.
Mine are going for a good jolly round a wet farm ride this morning. I will report back later.

I now have one pair ordered. I will try them on the back too and, if they seem OK, will but another set.

 

[McGrools]

I now have one pair ordered. I will try them on the back too and, if they seem OK, will but another set.

I am very pleased with mine.

 

[Cragrat]

I can attest to that. My Flex boots are fabulous on the road but when the farmer had been driving on and off his field and there was a thin layer of mud on the surface, he slipped all of the time. One time his leg went right out from under him. and the boot did come off.

Then, on the bridleway, where the mud was slightly thicker but still slick, he was always slipping and sliding. I just kept to walk, kept it all short striding and was managing until one day someone was illegally shooting on the field next to us (and leaving deer carcases behind). BH is steady away but the sudden close shot made him jump (only on the spot) but it was on the slippery mud and one back leg slid, so he rebalanced and both back legs lost traction, he scrabbled and lost both fronts too and fell right to the floor. There he wallowed, completely unable to get traction to get up. I rolled off to allow him better ability to rise and still he was unable to find his feet for a frightening amount of time, until one back boot fell off as the strap had broken. He then lost the other one finally getting up.

For context, I was easily able to walk on the mud. It was not freaky mud or anything. BH is normal in his ability to handle mud in shoes or barefoot. The boots weren't that much worn, the tread was still good. It is wide and shallow tread even when new.

Never stepped on slick mud with the Flex boots since! Once I am set up with new ones, they will be for sale. I had been warned about this on another hoof boot thread, when I'd said I had Flex boots and was happy with them in response to someone asking what people used. Happily BH wasn't injured and I started taking the rucksack to remove them when crossing mud, but it is hardly convenient!

Sounds horrific - I nearly went for Flex instead of Vipers - very glad I didn't!

 

[Red-1]

Sounds horrific - I nearly went for Flex instead of Vipers - very glad I didn't!

They are very good on the road. That said, I just went for a 1 1/2 hour ride, which could have been half off road, and we had to do it all on-road because of the boots.

 

[McGrools]

Explorers very reliable cantering on long wet grass and popping some farm ride jumps. I can completely forget they are on and just crack on with having fun. Very secure. I have the new version with an upgraded tread. They also have stud holes if required xx

 

[expanding_horizon]

I can attest to that. My Flex boots are fabulous on the road but when the farmer had been driving on and off his field and there was a thin layer of mud on the surface, he slipped all of the time. One time his leg went right out from under him. and the boot did come off.

Then, on the bridleway, where the mud was slightly thicker but still slick, he was always slipping and sliding. I just kept to walk, kept it all short striding and was managing until one day someone was illegally shooting on the field next to us (and leaving deer carcases behind). BH is steady away but the sudden close shot made him jump (only on the spot) but it was on the slippery mud and one back leg slid, so he rebalanced and both back legs lost traction, he scrabbled and lost both fronts too and fell right to the floor. There he wallowed, completely unable to get traction to get up. I rolled off to allow him better ability to rise and still he was unable to find his feet for a frightening amount of time, until one back boot fell off as the strap had broken. He then lost the other one finally getting up.

For context, I was easily able to walk on the mud. It was not freaky mud or anything. BH is normal in his ability to handle mud in shoes or barefoot. The boots weren't that much worn, the tread was still good. It is wide and shallow tread even when new.

Never stepped on slick mud with the Flex boots since! Once I am set up with new ones, they will be for sale. I had been warned about this on another hoof boot thread, when I'd said I had Flex boots and was happy with them in response to someone asking what people used. Happily BH wasn't injured and I started taking the rucksack to remove them when crossing mud, but it is hardly convenient!

My horse fell over twice on wet grass in part worn flex boots. And wasn’t very wet grass! Boots were under six months old and not had heavy use.

 

[expanding_horizon]

Explorers very reliable cantering on long wet grass and popping some farm ride jumps. I can completely forget they are on and just crack on with having fun. Very secure. I have the new version with an upgraded tread. They also have stud holes if required xx

The very new flatter tread where middle part is flat instead of groved? I wasn’t sure about the function from photo so be good if you’ve found it works well.

 

[McGrools]

The very new flatter tread where middle part is flat instead of groved? I wasn’t sure about the function from photo so be good if you’ve found it works well.

I think so will take a photo tmrw of the underside. Fitter said i was the first to try them so they are brand new a couple months ago.
I intend to crack on with more jumping in them over the next few weeks so will update on any issues. But i am very happy with them so far xx

 

[McGrools]

The very new flatter tread where middle part is flat instead of groved? I wasn’t sure about the function from photo so be good if you’ve found it works well.

The very new flatter tread where middle part is flat instead of groved? I wasn’t sure about the function from photo so be good if you’ve found it works well.

The very new flatter tread where middle part is flat instead of groved? I wasn’t sure about the function from photo so be good if you’ve found it works well.

 

[cjwchez]

I'm glad I've seen this thread as I'm planning on getting my horse's shoes taken off on Thursday and buying him some boots as I can't handle any more shoes being pulled off, searching the field for hours and not being able to ride until its put back on!

I was going to get scoot boots but now I'm double thinking it seeing these replies.

I've just looked at the cavallo boots but it looks like they're just kept on with velcro is this right? I'm not convinced that they would stay on in this case and that mud/debris would collect in the velcro and eventually cause the velcro to not be effective.

 

[cjwchez]

Explora magics. Should ‘clip’ onto the hoof if the right fit. Absolutely no movement at all. I cant imagine the hoof shell will give it is made of fairly firm material. I am confident galloping and on grass in them.
Mine are going for a good jolly round a wet farm ride this morning. I will report back later.

are these difficult to put on?