|
|
Discussion on Boots for barefoot horses
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Horse4u
|
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 10:49 am:
I've read the posts, but I was wondering what your thoughts are on the newer boots. Mac has a newer version and Boa looks like they have a nice boot that is easy on, easy off and will stay on. We are thinking of getting some for ours when they are on gravel and hard surfaces. Any thoughts or recommendations. Of course, all of our friends (some farriers) think we are nuts for not using shoes.
We have a Peruvian Paso and a Missouri fox trotter. What's your experience with using boots on gaited horses?
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 6:54 pm:
I have to plead ignorance Vicki, I have not tried any of the newer versions. We do keep a single boot in the saddle bags of all horses when we ride, in case of a bruise or a lost shoe, for those of our horses that cannot go barefoot we have reverted to steel shoes. We found Old Macs irritating if used for more than two days or long riding in many conditions and Easy Boots just did not stay on well enough. We ride TWH and Pasos.
DrO
|
Member:
Alden
|
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 6:56 pm:
Vicki,
I haven't use the new versions but I like the looks of the new Old Macs (Simple boots). I'd be careful using a boot on a Fox Trotter. The is more traction to most boots over a shoe, that traction may interfere with the Fox Trotters' rear hoof sliding action.
Good day,
Alden (HTG)
|
Member:
Horse4u
|
Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 8:50 pm:
Thank you both for the input. I am looking at the new version of the Macs. It looks like they have made some nice improvements. It is good to use a "sweat" wrist band (at sports stores) under the boot around the pastern. I have the original, but they are clunky looking. I am also checking out Marquis boots (very expensive though). Those are the 2 my barefoot farrier recommends. We would probably put 4 boots on the Peruvian Paso and only the front on the MFT. The MFT has been barefoot in the rear except for a couple of times and she does fine. She did a mountain ride that was mostly rocks. One of the guys there got on my case and told me my horse would come back lame. Well, she didn't, and he apologized to me saying I obviously knew my horse and what she was capable of.
|
Member:
Shanson
|
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 11:48 am:
My experience with Old Macs and Easy Boots is same as Dr. O's. Old Macs rub the fetlock and heel so that I always had to use vet wrap. What a pain in the neck. And getting correct fit seems to be a black art. Easy Boots were nearly guaranteed to come off at some point, never to be seen again. Gave up and returned to shoes for those horses that couldn't tolerate rocky trails barefoot.
|
Member:
Erika
|
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 1:27 pm:
My "barefoot shoer" swears by the Easyboot Epic. It is the newer one with the attached gaiters. She does endurance and swears she hasn't lost one yet. Fit is evidently extremely important, however.
I haven't tried any yet, but my old version of Easy Boots were a pain, just like te rest of yours!!
|
Member:
Cpacer
|
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 3:09 pm:
I too can vouch for the Easyboot (not the Epic) coming off easily, but have gone through knee deep mud and ridden at full gallop (not on purpose) with the Old Mac's and they have stayed on.
They can chafe though so I got the little neoprene sleeves which make the boots a real PAIN to put on, and make the normal fitting size too snug. Vet wrap doesn't stay in place, but I like your idea of a sweat band--think I'll try that.
I've been weaning off the boots, but keep them handy for rockier rides.
One thing to note about wearing the boots on the back -- mine only lasted for less than 10 rides before breaking. I think the front of the back boots kept hitting the back of the front boots??? They did send me a brand new pair since I was still within the 90-day warranty period. It looks like this issue is resolved in the new model--much more streamlined like you said. I was hoping they'd replace my old pair with the new model, but no such luck. Oh well, I can't complain, had a new pair within a week.
|
Member:
Alden
|
Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 6:41 pm:
Vicki,
You may find your MFT will do just fine totally barefoot if she is alright in the back barefoot. Of my horses the MFT and the Arabian are the most likely to handle being shoeless, even in the roughest areas here in the Rockies.
Good day,
Alden (HTG)
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 5:11 pm:
Hi Vicki,
Just wanted to put in my two cents about boots. I just purchased two Easyboot Epics for my horse's front feet, and use the old version Easyboots on her back feet. I really like them.
I've actually never had any problems with them coming off, and I ride 20-30 miles every weekend.
I think the key to any boot is proper fit, and getting them snugged down very tight, and making sure none of the boot is up on the sensitive skin, just down on the hoof itself, thus eliminating any chafing.
Anyway, just my two cents.
Nicole in New Mexico
|
Member:
Cathytay
|
Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 10:58 pm:
I'm a big fan of the easyboot epics. The first time I used them last year, I placed a "cotter pin" in the clasp to keep it secure while riding in large rocks. The first day of a 4 day ride, one of the boots pulled the base of the clasp right out of the rubber due to the pin not allowing it to give. The gaiter strap kept the boot on for the remaining 3 days. Now I never put the cotter pin in and if the clasp gets loose, it's no big deal, the strap keeps the boot on just fine. The other thing I like about the strap is it covers the heel bulb and acts like a bell boot. My trimmer also suggested that when using the gaiter strap, the "claws" inside the boot (which was to originally "grasp" the hoof wall and help it stay on), can be flattened and therefore there are no marks on the hoof wall.
|
Member:
Amara
|
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 7:17 pm:
what an opportune conversation, as my carriage driving boss just gave me the task of trying to find draft size barefoot boots... anyone know where i can find a size 5 barefoot boot? she looked around for some several years ago and couldnt find anyone who made draft sizes... anyone know if that's changed yet? we're trying to transition one of our carriage horses to barefoot... he only has to work about 6 hours a week... when we had shoes on he was fairly sound but even with borium never seemed like his footing was real comfy....used to slip up pretty good on the brick roads in downtown fort worth... without shoes he's absolutely surefooted, but definately a little uncomfortable... its getting better, but we know its a long process....
any ideas as to big horse boots?
thanks
mel
|
Member:
Horse4u
|
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 9:08 pm:
I just ordered the Mac G2's. They are the new version of the Old Macs. I think I read that they have sizes for draft horses. I know I saw some larger ones on one of the sites and I think it was that one. If not, try a search on google for draft horse boots and see what comes up. I'll let you all know if I like the G2's.
|
New Member:
Judynv
|
Posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 - 9:40 pm:
I have an old guy with chronic laminitis; he's been in Old Mac's for almost 3 years. He wore out 2 pair of the old version Mac's, he is now in the new G2's. I really like the new version, they have a better break over, are easier to fit and easier to get on. He wears them 24/7 and has had no chaffing problems, granted he doesn't move around very much. I put the neopream socks on him for about a week while the new boots were breaking in, now he's fine without the socks. I didn't have to get a bigger size boot to accommodate the socks.
|
Member:
Gailkin
|
Posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 3:17 pm:
I have an older pair of Old Macs that I use occasionally and find them somewhat hard to secure properly and they can rub on fetlocks. My barefoot trimmer recommends them or the new Cavello boots (about $100 for two) which look good but don't know anyone who has used them. They are on Cavello website and I noticed in the new Jeffers catalogue. He doesn't like any of the Easy Boots that have the wire around the heel area. The boas just covered the wire with neoprene so you can't see it. A friend just got a new set of the new old macs. They are less clunky but the gaiters looked like they might be a problem with sand getting in and chaffing. She hasn't used them enough to know for sure and didn't bother with the socks. Gail
|
Member:
quatro
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 - 12:55 pm:
Reviving an old thread
Anyone have any new opinions on boots. I need to get a new pair for Levi. I have used the Old Macs, but they will twist on him when he is running in the pasture sometimes. the Cavallos I got were easy to use, but the size I got was way toooo big, so they came off.
I am wondering if anyone has used the new easy boot gloves? Would a boa boot fit tighter than the old macs?
thanks
sue
|
Member:
chance1
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 - 1:12 pm:
Hi Sue,
I have been using the Easy Boot Gloves on both of my horses for the past 10 months. They are ridden daily, on asphalt, the trail and some arena. They stay put, even in mud, and are not wearing out very quickly. I've been very pleased with their performance.
Don't know much about the Boa or Old Macs, expect that my friend with Boas is switching to the Easy Boot Glove.
Best of luck,
Ruth
|
Member:
quatro
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 - 3:49 pm:
Thanks for responding Ruth, I was really leaning towards the Gloves. They say it is important to order the right size. They are sized in mm. YIKES How hard is it to put them on?
I really want to keep Levi barefoot, as his white line is so compromised 
suz
|
Member:
scooter
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 - 5:03 pm:
Susan, I was considering the easy boot glove for Hank too, but it seemed to me he didn't have the right hoof shape...read it carefully about fitting on their website. It sounds like you didn't have the right size on the others. The old Mac's worked great on Hank and Sam. I got the G'2's for Hank, they are too big for him now because of his hoof Changing. I doubt they would fit Levi, but if you measure for the G2's and they would fit him you can have them for shipping costs...they are like new. I think they are 8's, will look if you are interested.
If you are looking for something just for turnout or handwalking I had very good luck with the easy boot RX's with Sam.
|
Member:
chance1
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 1, 2010 - 8:56 pm:
Hi Sue,
The Easy Boot Gloves are very easy to put on and take off. I started using them on my 2 yo filly and you know how impatient they can be...but it was so easy that it was never an issue. Fit is very important tho. You can get a fit kit from Easy Boot. I think it's $8 and if you buy a set of boots, I think that goes toward your purchase. I got mine through Valley Vet cuz they had the best price I could find.
Good luck,
Ruth
|
Member:
dustee
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 2, 2010 - 6:45 am:
I would contact Easy Boot in Arizona. They are extremely helpful. They recommend certain boots for certain shapes of foot. My mare, who was having extreme problems last year would only fit into the newer Old Mac, the G-2's because of the size and shape of her foot. The Old Mac originals were for more of a round foot. The newer one - the G2's are for a more oval shape, and hug the foot better. If you put your horse's hoof on a piece of paper to start with, and draw areound the edge - look at it and decide the actual shape - they are all different. They have papers you can print out for sizing - quarter inch at a time to help you. Because of the cost of these boots - you only want one pair - have them durable, fit well, and hold up.
The boots I ordered for my mare last year were on her daily for two months - look like they are brand new, and came with gaiters to prevent rubbing. They are wonderful - I just keep them clean now, knowing I will need them again depending on our weather. Get help and education - you will feel better, then about your investment in these boots.
|
Member:
quatro
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 2, 2010 - 6:16 pm:
Hi all, busy holiday weekend at the kennel business, YIKES!
Anyhow, thanks Diane, I think his feet are 5 1/4 wide by 5 3/4 longish. It is so hard to determine the long side, as it is hard to determine exactly where to measure from ?
I have the old macs 2 on now, I just had to repair one of the buckles and duct tape the inside of the other so they are pretty shot. I think his are a size 5 or 6 though. I wish they would put the size on the boot somewhere?
I will try to call easy boot and get a measurement. that is a great hint on having him step on a paper to get a more accurate measurement. I was wondering how to get a measurement with them standing on full weight,???????
Levi is still lame on his front feet without boots. We have not been riding since June 20th, would a sole bruise still be sore after this long?
I have him down to 1 gm of bute a day, skipped a few days. I put a cotton pad with betadine, a swimmer diaper on, and then the boots. Yesterday he came limping in with his old mac wrapped around his pastern, as the bottom just ripped on the old mac 
He is such a problem child, it is a good think I love him dearly
suz
|
New Member:
kimaz
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 2, 2010 - 11:40 pm:
Hi, I am a longtime lurker I have a small paint named Noah who has had his share of hoof traumas from thin soles,abcesses, to clubby feet, to trims gone wrong, so this thread is very timely for me! Thanks!
My sweet guy has light hooves that I am always working on toughening up, but must keep shoes on. He lost one on the trail this past week, and of course his farrier took his one vacation a year when it happened.
We have been on a great recovery streak so when he started stumbling I knew immediately something was amiss.
My farrier had me boot him(of course I didn't have it packed in the saddlebag)and I had an easyboot with cables from one of his wrapping needs.
It was tricky to get on, and when I took it off he had some moisture and his hooves seemed soft and SMELLY. Now that boot I can't seem to get stink free :P plus poor Noah's feet probably didn't get to breathe. I felt sooo awful, so it got me researching boot alternatives.
I too am leaning towards the glove, and the easycareinc.com website is very informative.
When I spoke with my farrier, he said his favorite was the renegade boot from renegadehoofboots.com as they had superior ventilation, so I am not sure which to try. Both have excellent reviews, easyboot glove seems less complicated to put on,less pricey, yet renegades have lots of breathing & stretch room.
Anyone else use renegades for comparison?
Thanks, Kimberly
|
Member:
cometrdr
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 8, 2010 - 6:04 pm:
I have in the past year started on the path to remove all metal from their feet. the Arab is now barefoot front and back. the back was never an issue - you couldn't even tell by him that we took off shoes. no Lameness or apparent sensitivity at all. But living in No. AZ where its dry and the ground is made up of Decomposed Granite - it is the perfect barefoot place. BUT. with that said we took the front shoes off him about 6 weeks ago. the first 3 weeks were a gift. then the sensitivity started - he's fine now, just getting used to being bare all around. SO.... to stop this long story with a point. I have Old Macs with the Gaiters or the neoprene sleeves that come with them - I only employ them when taking a ride where I suspect rocks. and only put them on the front feet. In normal day to day riding in the sand arena or running in his paddock that is riddled with rocks he is bare. we only put them on when we go out for long trail rides - which I am sad to say lately is like once very 10 day or so... but every day he appears to be more tolarant of rocks on the front too. Now my larger horse The TWH/QH cross at 16.3 and 1300 pounds is only bear in the back. He is such a 'woose' that I can't take them off his front feet and would not dream of it, although he has the same boots in case he looses a shoe. but after 6 months he still is a tip toe'er on rocks in the back - but I do not boot the back any more when we go out. (tough love) The decision to take the back ones off stemmed from an overreach problem, he would constantly overreach with his back shoe and tear the shoe off the front or cut his heal. Since we took the shoes off that has not happened once! one of the better decisions I made for my horse.
Again though to make a long story short I do like the Old Mac's with the neoprene gaiters used to keep them secure.
|
| Horseadvice has nearly 1000 Articles and 100,000 Discussions all written or moderated by an experienced equine veterinarian. To get full access to the articles or to post questions and answers to our active forums become a member! We have a membership that fits your budget: Come see what you have been missing. |
