Davis Boots - my review

[DebbieS]

I bought Listo some Davis boots for the front. He doesn't wear shoes - doesn't need them. I ride him pretty much everywhere and he's never had a problem. A few times, we've ridden in areas with sharp pointy rocks and felt a little guilty, but I always let him pick his own path and give him the opportunity to get out of the rocks.

I bought some Davis boots at our local tack store. I feel if I do go on a particularly rocky ride, we have an option. I feel that regular shoes don't make that much difference in that situation anyway because the sole is still exposed and horses that always wear shoes tend to have softer soles.

I tried size 0, and they were too small. Took them back and got a size 1.
Here they are: (sorry, no level ground at my place)
http://www.animalstaples.com/personal/boots1.jpg

and the back of the boot (yes, Listo is hairy):
http://www.animalstaples.com/personal/boot.jpg

I rode for about an hour. His corto seemed a little off - He's not used to having anything on his feet, though. After largo'ing a bit, I though I'd try a canter. We were actually moving along pretty fast when I felt something different - looked back and he had lost his right boot :-?

SO, we went back and picked it up. Replaced it and made sure both were tight. Rode home at a corto. I'm not totally convinced yet. I think I would only used them in extreme conditions - and not where we'd be running. They are super easy to put on/take off. Unlike some of the others I've looked at. They are only $29/ea (probably less at bigger stores). And Listo didn't seem to mind them, although he's pretty tolerant of most things.

We got some funny looks from the neighbors....
http://www.animalstaples.com/personal/mares_foals.jpg

[GeorgeGuns]

Hmmmm... Davis boots aren't really made for tough trail riding, they can chafe at the coronary, and can twist and just not be as solid as easyboots or old macs. There is another boot out now, Cavallos (sp?) that i haven't tried myself but one client has and really likes them. They look like a copy of oldmacs, are about $40-50 cheaper, and for the odd rough nasty trail would serve you better than Davis boots IMO. Davis boots really shine for using with medicaments, or if a shoe is thrown and you just need quick prevention. I could see using them on parade too. But if they work for you, no reason not to use them.

[motorgypsy]

I would worry about rubbing also. If you are going to use them perhaps you can put duct tape on the hoof and area above the hoof so they won't rub. We do this with Easy Boots and it works well.

[Terry Wallace]

Hmmm..I didn't think Davis boots were for riding (?) I have two Davis boots (different sizes) ....but they are for "medicating & soaking" a hoof...or keeping meds like pine tar & packing in place.... I'd be afraid they would rub...or wear out very quickly.......Hmmm!!

[DebbieS]

There are 2 different kinds. These are for riding. The tack store owner told me that the 'Easy Boots' were causing problems with the cornary band because of the metal clasp in the front. These are all rubber and look more comfortable. They sell the medicine-type too.

[Terry Wallace]

That is kind of weird that the easyboots were causing coronary band trouble.... they don't contact the coronary band on the metal clasp in the front! .... maybe the easyboots were too big?

I have never seen the Davis boots like you posted...mine are the blue colored "med boots"....

Learn something new every day!

[jodiTowne]

I briefly tried the Davis boots for riding and my gelding would walk out of them! This was years ago and he has tiny feet. Maybe they have more of a size range now. For brief periods of use, hopefully they will work good for you. Let us know.....