Hoof Boot Question

[Lynn L.]

Since Old Macs G2 and Cavalla's and other new boots are out, what are your favorites? I have a barefoot horse that I think is always going to be too tender to ride on trail without some protection. I am trying to figure out if one boot works better with pasos than others. He is not the most patient of horses, so it has to be something that isn't real complicated (I am not the most coordinated person around.)

Thanks for your help.

[Boyd R]

I use the easy boot epic they work great. I have one mare in them 24-7 and having absolutly no problem with them if they fit snug. a loose fit will tear the stitching.

[Terry Wallace]

Its easyboots for me.... less "clunk"...better fit. They do not not affect gait.

[TrueStepPaso]

Easyboot Epic, or easyboot Bare......the old macs were never a problem for me either. As long as they are fitted properly, its then just a matter of how much effort you prefer to put in to application of the boots.

[Lynn L.]

How difficult is it to put on the Easy Boot Bares? I have heard bad stories on the Easy Boots. That is why I was leaning away from them. But then I hear the Old Macs rub.....decisions, decisions...

[Minouri]

Have you heard bad things about the simple boot? It just looks so much easier to put on.http://www.saddleuptack.com/webcat/items/item1174.htm

I've never used a boot but I'd like to. There are some rocking trails that I know are tough on Scooter. It'd be nice not to worry about that and just go.

[Terry Wallace]

"simple boot"...Any boot that comes up around the pastern has the potential to rub...so fit it carefully! They are a "clunky" looking boot to me...but I've never tried them. Pricey suckers! But then...shoeing isn't cheap either, and you throw that metal shoe away after 6 to 8 weeks.
Or ... throw them in a bucket for those "future welding/design projects"!

Easy boots aren't the easiest boot to put on... BUT...they STAY ON!
It takes a few times to get the hang of it.

Anybody here bought the "simple boot" ... how was it?

[TrueStepPaso]

What Terry said....if it comes above the coronet, then its gonna rub at first (at least). You can either buy the "gaiters" for the pastern area, so it won't rub.......or, do like I did 'til it was broken in - use an old sock/duct tape (wrapped lightly).
The Bares are a pain to put on at first, but once they are properly adjusted & you get into a "rhythm" for the application...then you're fine.
I'm sure both the Old Macs & Bares/Epics are good. :D

[Terry Wallace]

On the subject of Old Macs... have two friends who didn't like them at all, andd two friends that used & liked them...

First two said they interfered with gait.. that was true..and that they were too clunky and heavy... they sure look it... JMO

Other two used the Old Macs mostly just for parades on asphalt & concrete... I saw those horses too and they didn't look to be affected by the boots....

When the people unhappy with the Old Macs wanted to return them for something else...no return was allowed. Just FYI....

[Cindy]

I tried the Old Macs once and they rubbed so bad that the horse got scratches after one ride. I did not have any problem returning them though. As far as affecting the gait, anything that you put on a horses feet will affect the gait to some extent. But that does not mean that it will necessarilly cause the horse to NOT gait. Just depends on the horse as to how the gait, i.e. movement is affected. I will not use any kind of boots again. If a horse needs protection, I will shoe it.

[motorgypsy]

If they fit right and if the horse is just ouchy on gravel for example AND there is NO mud or deep sucking muddy water crossings we had good luck with Easy Boots on just the front which were the only feet that were ouchy. We did 12 or so miles in very rough terrain and the mare loved them. She's never been so good natured about riding as she was on that ride. We will try them for longer parades next year also.

Remember that unless you use a synthetic shoe, shoes do not protect from shock - just from wear and things like sharp gravel. So if you have a footslammer shoes aren't the answer unless you use the urethane shoes.

[Abejita]

oh sure Cindy ..go say something inflammatory like that "S" word right before you go galavanting off to Nationals...fur will fly and you are not gonna be here to enjoy it... :lol: ;-)

[Cindy]

I was only thinking of you, Sheri. I knew that you would be stuck at home and since it is so cold there any time after August you would need some kind of inside activity to occupy your time. :lol:

[Abejita]

I will order up a nice rainy 50 degree day for you when you come to Harrisburg in Oct just for that.... :twisted:

[Cindy]

Hopefully I will be a bit more winter aclimated by then. It got below 70 and rainy here today and I had to break out the jacket. :roll:

[Abejita]

Sept and Oct can be real weird around here..40's one day..70's the next ..The Farm Show building is all under roof so it doesnt get too cold :D

[Cindy]

So bring a big suitcase?

[Abejita]

hmm check out weather channel .com....????