Talk to me about boots

[ownedbyaconnie]

So my mare went barefoot in March and has taken to it pretty well! She's fine walking to and from the field, in the school, on grass and on tarmac. We come undone slightly on small loose gravel. She's not hobbling but just not as forward.

Is it worth getting boots? I know working her over lots of terrains is doing her feet wonders so will putting boots on negate that slightly? I'd say she spends 5% of our hacking on this type of ground. I obviously do not want her to be in pain, does slowing down indicate pain or just discomfort? She does have a touch of thrush which I am using field paste and sole cleanse on and I have noticed she seems less footy since doing so.

If I do go down the boot route, any recommendations?

p.s I am down the yard later, I will take some photos of her feet in case there is something obvious which can be done to help (they are due a trim though so look a bit worse for wear after our 6 mile hack to and from a clear round!)

 

[Gloi]

Yes, it's worth getting boots if she isn't moving normally. Just try front ones first that may be all you need. You don't need to use them all the time, I just put mine's on when we are doing longer or faster rides or on bad going. Her feet will be conditioning for all the time she isn't being ridden so don't worry about that and you can reduce the boot use over time.
I use Scoots on mine but which are best for you will depend on hoof shape so speak to the people at Hoof Boutique or The Saddlery Store about which are best for you.

 

[asmp]

There was recent thread - Hoof Boots, which a few of us posted on. I’ve just bought Equine Fusion ones As they were the ones the shop advised me to buy having seen photos of my horse’s hooves

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Thanks both, will try and find that thread!