Which hoof boots? (groan)

[ashleigh]

I'm really sorry, I know it has been done to death but....

I want to start hacking Tilly again. She is a 14.1hh pone who has been barefoot for a while, working happily on sand school for about 2 years, 12 hour turnout etc. in all weathers, and never a day's lameness. No foot probs at all.

Hacking is mainly on roads or stony tracks, and will be done almost exclusively at walk due to general cr@pness of hacking routes.

We are also looking at short hacks of maximum of twelve miles once or twice a week.

I like the look of Easyboots, but am generally bewildered at choice of hoof boots generally.

I prefer the idea of boots that don't go on or above hairline, as I don't like the idea of possible rubbing etc.

All and any advice appreciated.

[basilhorse]

Measure her feet first. You might find there's not as much choice when you've done that . I have epics for Basil and like them but I haven't tried anything else

MTA: Sorry I'll clarify that - certain boots may jump out as more closely fitting her measurements than others

[june]

I've got Old Mac G2s and Boas. Both come above the hairline. The Boas have rubbed pretty much every horse I've tried them on. The G2s haven rubbed any of them. The downside with the G2s is they are clumpy. However, they are pretty easy to put on and take off and they don't come off during riding. They also have good treads.

Susan on here has Hoofwings. They are very good boots but are custom made so not cheap.

[Yann]

It is down to size and shape - less than 140mm long and the same or better still less width wise and the world's your oyster bootwise.

If so Gloves and Renegades are good boots that might fit your bill but most would work well enough for what you want them for at this stage so long as they're a decent fit

[taklishim]

if our horse has no foot problems, has been BF for quite a while and you only want to walk why boot? Why not just try without boots and see how you get on? If the tracks get too stony get off and lead to start with and gradually start to build up the work and difficulty.

[cinnypony]

I go with Taklishim - as my girl has done up to 72k in one weekend completely bare and passed pre and post ride vettings, so the distances you want to do should be possible with out boots.

The main thing you need to do is condition the hooves to the terrain. This will take time.

However it is nice to have a pair of boots in back up - I do.

The main thing is to find the ones that fit your pone.

We have tried easy boot gloves, though these didn't suit mine - good thing is that they have a 30 day full refund guarantee, so if you don't get on with them they can go back.

However we do like Renegades - and they come in jolly colours

[ashleigh]

I hear you talikshim and cinnypony, I really do.

However, lack of time (full time job, small child and 2 ponies) means I don't have the time to put in to a thorough conditioning programme. Also, pony is an elderly mare, and would not bounce back as easily from any abcesses etc. that may occur.

If boots mean I can saddle up and pootle around the block while giving my girl adequate protection, then tbh that is the route I want to take.

[june]

That's very honest of you Ashleigh and IMO absolutely the right thing to do.

[gillmcg]

Have a look at this article on thesaddleryshop website - very helpful.

www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/MeasureHoofBoots.aspx

Size and shape - most importantly ratio of length to width - will probably be the deciding factors in finding the right boots for Tilly.

[oberon]

Easyboot bares appear to be the favorite of the endurance crew. To avoid rubbing you can use a little Vetrap around the coronet. Make sure the size you get is correct and employ a little rubber mallet to get them on. You can use athletic tape to secure them too.