To the shoeless

[FitzyFitz]

I've not found it to stop the feet developing.

I'm looking at using hoof armour on one of mine who's worn her soles down too much over winter. I boot to ride but seems our ground is just abrasive, very rarely much to trim off. Does it really work to reduce wear on the soles/toes? Does it last?

 

[FitzyFitz]

Hi to all of you currently using boots for normal work (not rehab) what are you using on the fronts and what have you stopped using and why.
I’m upping my just 4 year olds hacking and want front boots to avoid any bruising or abcesses as stony tracks here and there and I want to continue his hacking all summer uninterrupted a few times a week.
So what’s good atm as my last info was 2011 when I rehabbed my now 21 nearly 22 year old who uses equine fushion ultra terrain jogging shoe but I want something more slimline and practical as youngster has near perfect foot structure atm. Thanks a lot

Currently using Flex, Viper and Explora on a variety of horses. All 3 work well if they fit, but not all the brands fit all the horses.

Previously tried Scoots which work great if your horses feet are the exact right size and shape but theres no adjustment if they aren't unlike the other brands. Flex you can swap straps and gaiters, Vipers you can adjust cables and captivators, Exploras have half a dozen adjustment points and can be heat fitted or permanently shimmed with silicone if you have a horse with weird feet (one of mine is a few degrees more vertical on the inside wall)

 

[Gloi]

I'm looking at using hoof armour on one of mine who's worn her soles down too much over winter. I boot to ride but seems our ground is just abrasive, very rarely much to trim off. Does it really work to reduce wear on the soles/toes? Does it last?

Yes it works but you have to reapply to suit the amount of work/wear of your particular horse. It seems to do better as time goes by in my opinion.

 

[Spirit7]

Currently using Flex, Viper and Explora on a variety of horses. All 3 work well if they fit, but not all the brands fit all the horses.

Previously tried Scoots which work great if your horses feet are the exact right size and shape but theres no adjustment if they aren't unlike the other brands. Flex you can swap straps and gaiters, Vipers you can adjust cables and captivators, Exploras have half a dozen adjustment points and can be heat fitted or permanently shimmed with silicone if you have a horse with weird feet (one of mine is a few degrees more vertical on the inside wall)

Very helpful thank you

 

[Spirit7]

I’ve had vipers on fronts and sometimes hinds of my thoroughbred for years. They stay on even in deep mud and all but the fastest canter work, and they’ve never rubbed him. I chuck them in a bucket of water when I get back from muddy rides (clay so it needs to soak off) then hose them off and hang to dry. I really rate them.

Vipers again.

 

[Tarragon]

I use scoot boots. I love the fact they are relatively open, so mud and debris that get inside can also be flushed out. They are also not very clumpy, easy to put on and take off and clean. I do rate them.
On the other hand, you will be limited to the style of boots that best fits your horse! So some boot styles work better on rounder feet, some work better with longer than wider feet, etc. etc.
I wanted to buy a quality endurance style riding hat, but it just didn't fit my head! The only one that did was a boring old skull cap. I was so disappointed

 

[lynz88]

I’ve got 4 x explora magic size 3 regular for F? If want a closer look?

That would be great thanks. I'm not quite sure what size he is anymore as his feet have changed a lot especially since switching farriers. I need to take some measurements (he needs feet done in next week or so....they look like they are growing like weeds).

 

[webble]

Currently using Flex. Stopped using Scoots because his feet changed shape and stopped using cavello because they were too clumpy

 

[FitzyFitz]

Yes it works but you have to reapply to suit the amount of work/wear of your particular horse. It seems to do better as time goes by in my opinion.

worth a shot then! thanks

 

[holeymoley]

Just bought some Flex, they’re currently sitting on my dining table. I can’t believe how soft they are! I’ve been using Cavallo Treks which I think are good too but he’s changed hoof shape and outgrown them. They also seen quite hard and clumpy in comparison to the flex.

 

[Spirit7]

Me on several horses. More adjustable than magic; nearly as good grip, easier to put on. My horse can sometimes pull one off behind, I think he treads on it with other hind foot.

Hmmmmm thank you. I’ve ordered fit kit for viper, evo and magic and will go from there…. Appreciate help and would love to see photo of magics on as mentioned above as same size bracket as I’m testing !

 

[Spirit7]

I use scoot boots. I love the fact they are relatively open, so mud and debris that get inside can also be flushed out. They are also not very clumpy, easy to put on and take off and clean. I do rate them.
On the other hand, you will be limited to the style of boots that best fits your horse! So some boot styles work better on rounder feet, some work better with longer than wider feet, etc. etc.
I wanted to buy a quality endurance style riding hat, but it just didn't fit my head! The only one that did was a boring old skull cap. I was so disappointed

I’ve been using boots since 2011 so fairly aware of fitting issues just wanted an update on new fast boots as last new boots I bought were flex after they came out about 5 years ago and Scoots (which I hated as too hard) before that. And yes I too have a funny shaped head. My husband keeps trying to get me a Kep hat and I keep explaining they don’t fit me lol