Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572 
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Post by Lipizzan on Nov 10, 2016 11:36:54 GMT
ok, so I have this really ambitious idea of buying a pair of hoof boots. The ONLY tiny problem is I DON'T HAVE MONEY for them  So, while daydreaming about them, I would like to hear some opinions on them. What do you think are good and bad sides? Prices? In Croatia they are very very expensive, like $200-300 for a pair, and that is a lot of money here.  I like this model, but it is like $150 for one , so two would be $300. I think they would be very useful for my mare, because she is sensitive, and we ride on different terrains, wich is 20 % asphalt, 30 % gravel. She needs shoes, but I don't like them as much. I think she would be a different horse wearing this, much more comfortable and happier.  free photo hosting |
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Post by horselover4life on Nov 10, 2016 15:39:42 GMT
If this is a "easy boot" here in the US they range in cost from $60 -$75 each. There are many styles of "hoof boots".
I would look carefully and do a lot of investigating before purchasing these...
My reasoning is that the wire cable needs to be adjusted, tightened and then "snapped" closed to keep the boot on the hoof. Everytime you use the boot it needs possible adjusting was my experience.
So, this easy boot my gf in New York State had for her horse...or one very similar.
They were a pain in the *** to put on, tighten and make them tight enough they stayed on.
She used them, not me and I never adjusted them but watched her struggle and get frustrated when the horse slipped a boot while riding...
I put them on once and never again, they were that much of a PITA to me.
I would for ease of use consider these other boots that use Velcro fasteners or some have other types of fasteners that don't require a screwdriver...
www.ebay.com/itm/Cavallo-ELB-Slim-Sole-Hoof-Boot-/201501906957
There are pros and cons I recognize for a Velcro fastener but for a occasional use they just might work and your fingers will appreciate not tugging on wires.
I am considering them myself for my paint horse as he is tender soled. I also would like to not put shoes on...
My horse grows hoof like crazy so when I spoke with my farrier about using boots instead of shoeing he told me to expect needing two sizes. One for the new trim and another size 1/2 way through the trim cycle and going barefoot possibly when hooves are due again for trimming...
My horses are on a 5 week trim faithfully...they grow that much hoof that quick, yes.
My friend here where I now live has boots she used on her Paso with sensitive soles....
They were easy to put on, stayed on in wet conditions and through grassy trails. She was able to go through streams, climb small hills, go through fields of grass, sand/dirt and mud.
Her horse was able to gait beautifully with boots on so that was also a consideration she dealt with that I don't have concern of.
She wore out that pair of boots.
She did not ride on paved road surfaces so I have no idea of traction and safety they afforded her.
Do look at the many choices available....
HL may even have some in her vast collection of tack she has accumulated.
You must measure very carefully as soon as your hooves are trimmed and again the day your horses hooves are to be trimmed and find a size that will work for both numbers...
Boots must fit tightly, not loose or they are not safe.
Good luck in your search.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Nov 10, 2016 15:41:51 GMT
Perhaps you could find a used pair online somewhere? I've never used hoof boots myself but I know people who do and love them. There is a new company that is producing clip on shoes too that look really neat (although I would prefer if they weren't bright blue and orange). horserunners.com/ |
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Post by horselover4life on Nov 10, 2016 15:48:58 GMT
Perhaps you could find a used pair online somewhere? I've never used hoof boots myself but I know people who do and love them. There is a new company that is producing clip on shoes too that look really neat (although I would prefer if they weren't bright blue and orange). horserunners.com/
I would be interested for my paint horse...he only needs fronts.
Brown & white paint with blue or orange feet...love it!!
I know they are not yet on the market but any idea if those adhesive pieces that stick to the hoof are reusable?
Only downfall I see is for me my horses are on grass pasture not needing shoes for hoof protection often except when riding.
Wondering how much debris would stick or catch that adhesive patch stopping the stick factor or ripping it off if it caught on something...
If you hear of anyone being the "tester" for them let me know what they have found...
They would be a nice alternative to "boots"....
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Nov 10, 2016 15:51:09 GMT
h4l I appreciate what you wrote. I agree , I could not deal with viers, it looked like it could be tighter like that, but guess not. I like the ones you linked, I should really think good about this, because they are not cheap, and it really has to be a good size to fit properly.
mistersmom, I saw the blue-orange ones, I liked it a lot, but I guess they are pricey as gold. I like the idea about used ones, but there is not so many in Croatia, and buying from US, shipping cost a lot.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Nov 10, 2016 17:07:50 GMT
HL4L - I looked at their site some more. There is apparently some tape that you can put over the velcro-like part on their hooves so that nothing (or I would guess little) gets in while they are not wearing the shoes.
You get enough tape for the hoof to last 7-9 weeks. I would imagine (but don't see) that you would need to buy new tape for the hoof each time the horse is trimmed, so there would be that ongoing expense.
From what I see, a set of 2 is pre-selling for 99 Euros (about $110 USD). They won't be out until July of 2017 though.
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Nov 10, 2016 17:24:36 GMT
That is a good price compering to others.
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