Hoof Boots - help please

[katiekynoch]

I am delighted that my lovely Dales chap, Robin, is able to go barefoot but I know he will struggle with our summer schedule of pleasure and non competitive EGB rides but I'm having a problem finding hoof boots to fit him correctly. His front feet measure 16cm wide and 15.5 long. Boa boots are the nearest fit but to get the correct width as recommended he will need a size 5. However, the max length for that size is up to 17.4 cm which seems way too long for his feet.

Is anyone able to offer advice please or let me know of any similar experiences?

I am reluctant to have him shod in front again as he was experiencing some concussion which made him hesitant to trot and he lacked confidence on downhill tarmac for fear of sliding.

[harleydales]

I struggle with boots too - Harley is shod through mosto f the year but I like to give him time in the winter without shoes. But I always start training again in February (I do the Scottish endurance rides) before he is reshod and have the worry of him wearing too much foot down to get a shoe on so use boots - without a lot of success!

The ones I have found to be the best are Easyboot Epics, but even they move on his feet. I think the problem is he has very round feet and there's nothing to stop the boot spinning.

Boas, Old Macs and Cavallos just didn't fit at all, I couldn't get big enough sizes to fit him. |I loved the theory of the Cavello boots, they looked so simple.

I have some Marquis boots for my Welsh cob, they have a blow-up panel in them that fits round the back of the foot. They are great and don't move BUT I don't do any distance with him or much if any trotting as he is an older guy with back problems.

[harveydales]

How long has Robin been without shoes? If not long then you will probably find his feet become smaller as he adapts and wears them which could be a problem with boot sizing. That's what I found with Harvey although the difference was not huge.

Harvey went totally barefoot about 5 years ago and I got him some boots thinking he wouldn't cope with long hacks but I've not had to use them yet! However, I don't do long hacks (10miles max) and I still keep the boots for "just in case".

Harvey's feet measure the same as Robin so most boots will be a problem as they cater for feet which are longer than wide. As you say, Boas seem to have the best measurements. A friend let me try some Epics but they moved far to much. I have a pair of Boas (size 4 I think but could be wrong) and they are a good fit but are a real pain to get on and off. Also I'm a bit concerned that they could rub.

For simplicity I also have a pair of Cavellos which are easy to get on and off, don't move but don't know how they'd be for long periods. All these boots seem so clumpy.

The boots I like the looks of the best are Renegades but unfortunately they don't yet come in sizes big enough for our Dales Ponies. www.renegadehoofboots.com/

[katiekynoch]

Many thanks for the very helpful and prompt responses.

Robin wasn't shod when I bought him as an 11 year old in September 2008 and my farrier thought he possibly hadn't had shoes on for about 3 years, despite being told by the vendor that he was shod each year. I was advised by a BHSI that he looked footsore and should be shod. I took the advice but only had front shoes fitted so his hind feet are now very strong and robust. But the hind feet only have to bear around 30-40% of the weight!

His fronts were removed 11 November 08 and we rode out very happily the same day. Unfortunately the rare (for South Cumbria) snowfall meant we couldn't ride out for almost a month due to very icy conditions so I'm just getting back into a routine again. He's turned out 24/7 and the frozen fields preceded by a wet November has made a mess of the frogs/heel bulbs but they will recover slowly (farrier not concerned)

Your advice has been very helpful and I will defer any decision or trial of boots until I have seen how he is after our first organised ride, hopefully Ullswater EGB NCR on 28 March. The max. distance we are likely to attempt is up to 20 miles (more usually 12-15) but it's sometimes not easy to know how the organisers define 'stony tracks', some are a doddle whilst others can be quite a challenge for the barefoot pony.

Thanks again for your quick responses - I will also contact Cavallo for guidance as the length is OK for the largest boot and the width is within the 8mm difference between sizes. They look easier to fit than the Boa too!

[sweetpea]

Hi
I bought some Easyboot Glove hoof boots for P as her feet were wearing a little too much if we did a lot of road work. They seem to fit really well and we haven't lost one yet although we haven't done much over the winter to be honest. Hope to start getting out and about again soon so will keep you posted.
Cavallos just did not fit anywhere and we tried a pair of Renegades but they twisted although they did stay put.
You can get an Easyboot Glove measuring kit from the Saddlery Shop and they send you a bag with lots of different sizes to try. It costs £5 although you have to put down a deposit which they give back when you return the kit. P wasn't in the top size and I think they were advertising a new larger size which they've just recently introduced.
Might be worth a look.

[katiekynoch]

Thanks everyone for all your help and very useful advice. Robin is between trims now so I will re-measure his feet after the farrier's next visit in mid-March. Unfortunately even the largest Easyboot Glove is going to be too small for him.

He's going really well barefoot but we aren't doing much mileage at the moment, largely due to the weather!

Roll on spring ....