"Won't wear back boots."

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gable

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I am in the process of buying a new horse. Viewed it a few times - seems spot on apart from the owner saying he won't wear back boots. I asked what he does when he has them on, she replies they only tried once and he didn't like them, he got really upset.

Now, not wearing back boots is the only thing this horse does 'wrong'
He will let me touch his back legs and pick his feet up.

Are they being soft with this horse?

Can I have your experiences of horses that don't like boots on - success or otherwise please.

I am an experienced owner but have never come across this before.
 
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How experienced are the owners? What do they mean by he got 'upset'? What kind of boots? Did they put the boots on once, he walked off with that really high action horses often do when travel boots go on for the first time, or did he throw a huge paddy? Not enough information.
 
Sorry - it was travel boots - apparently he was kicking his leg out and wouldn't stand still so they took them off and never tried again
 
Is this really an issue?

If the horse does not like boots, I see no reason to force the issue personally - I know plenty of horses that do not wear travel boots at all and come to no harm for it.

No doubt you could get the horse used to wearing them if you really wanted.
 
No-its not an issue at all - I just would have like other peoples experiences as I have never had or met a horse that wont wear boots
 
When we first started travelling my mare she would fly buck them off! We used shaped gamgee and badgages instead which she seemed happier with. Then some really cheap fleecy boots and then upgraded to normal stiff travelling ones. She's fine with them now.
 
He does not need to have hind travel boots, some horses panic because they feel they are trapped in them, if he lets you ride him in ordinary boots, I would not worry, it is generally horses who have not had a lot of handling / education when young, I would make sure that he is OK with being handled round the rear end, I always make very sure mine are used to all sorts happening, to prevent any reaction in case of kiddies or other people coming too close.
 
ajn1610 said:
When we first started travelling my mare she would fly buck them off! We used shaped gamgee and badgages instead which she seemed happier with. Then some really cheap fleecy boots and then upgraded to normal stiff travelling ones. She's fine with them now.
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Thats good to hear as I would prefer him to have some protection
 
Is he OK with normal brushing boots?

If so then I wouldn't worry, if you want to travel him in travel boots you can work on that problem when you get him home.
 
They haven't tried him with any boots since. I'm sure with a bit of patience he will accept them - or am I being naive?
 
gable said:
They haven't tried him with any boots since. I'm sure with a bit of patience he will accept them - or am I being naive?
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I would think he will be fine, start with brushing boots and then gradually introduce travel boots. He may react at first but if you keep him walking forward he should soon get used to them (maybe start with him just wearing one boot at first).
 
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