What kind of hoof boots have you found best for trail riding?

I have a pair of plain old easy boots. I went on a ride this summer where two other riders had epoch easy boots that they had cut the gators, (or whatever the top part of the epoch is) off. One horse did fine, and one lost bolth boots, I kept mine the whole ride as well, so I guess it is operator error that made the one pair fall off. I guess the new style boot is no better than my old one, but I wonder how Old Mack, and Boa compair for horse comfort, and staying on. I would love to have something easyer to put on, but do not want to give up the secure fit.

What kind of hoof boots have you found best for trail riding?
I am a Easyboot Epic user. The other boots just won't do for me and my horse because their fit and the amount of riding they are recommended for. no more than 25 miles a week... plus I needed a boot that can't come off while I'm riding. The epics, when the gaiters are not cut off!, will not come off your horse and are much easier to get on and off than the regular easy boots. I'm disabled and can't even bend my knees move well, and I can do it! The Easyboot website has videos of the duct tape trick, and even cutting the front of the boot down a bit. My amazing trick to get them on is hoof creme. LOL!


You can watch my very quick demos:


http://good-times.webshots.com/video/304...


http://good-times.webshots.com/video/309...





Now, four your other boot options... I tried the Cavallo (cheap plastic) Boa, and Old macs. Old Macs were by far the best of this type of boot. The Boa's, I couldn't get on, plus their tread was poor. That wire looked easy to snap and the dial slipped easily, and broke. (from other users) the OLD Macs had more tread and were easier to get on. Though all of these would rub in wet footing without pastern wraps, all were harder to clean up, and none coudl be used as much as the Easy boots.


IF you decide to try a set, I'd vote for the Old Macs!!





Here's a Hoof boot guide with all of them on it:


http://www.easycareinc.com/education/wha...





If you want to see cool tips for making the Easyboot Epics work fr you, watch my videos and those of the company.


http://www.easycareinc.com/Our_Boots/eas...





By the way, I have a awful time gettign the normal Easyboots on... hammers an screw drivers. The others are all easier than that. LOL


Good Luck!
Reply:I have used old mac... but not Boa... i would recommend old mac boots till i was blue in the face... i also have my horse bare foot... and i use the old macs when we have to do road work... they are expensive here... but well worth it... i've not had a problem with them slipping.. or coming off... but always when i first put them on my horse he doest his first few steps trying to get them off... but calms to them and doesnt get annoyed... the only down side i have come across is one we went thru a stream and they got wet and rubbed on the back of his heal... but since then i have got off and dryed his heels when ever he's got wet and not had a prob again... well thats what i have... good luck
Reply:I heard that old mac boots are the best. Or maybe you should try just letting your horse go barefoot.
Reply:I'm thinking about getting boa boots for my youngster instead of shoeing him, although it depends on how much road/rocky work he's going to do as he'll be mostly competing (where he won't have shoes at all... I think it gives them a better feel of the ground like hands without thick gloves!)


I've heard good things about these boots. Although they're very expensive compared to some others, hopefully the price reflects the quality.


I might keep my mare barefoot next year but wear these boots as she goes footsore when she looses a shoe at the moment (shod all her life before I had her). I'm going to use them like a transition from shoes to barefoot until she's used to having no shoes on. That's if I can find the money to buy them! Although, even if they last only 6 months I'd save money on shoeing bills!
Reply:I don't have an answer for you, but I am curious why you use boots? Do you use them instead of shoeing or in addition and why?
Reply:thank you for leaving your horse barefoot.





as far as boots go, i too have used the easy boot epics with the gaiters. if they are put on correctly, they should not come off. the clip that is on the boot itself should be difficult to fold down if it is the correct tightness. the gaiter strap should also be a snug fit.
Reply:i would reccomend getting your horses' feet used to different footing. Start with gravel etc and just get him/her walking on it for short periods of time. (greadually increasing the time being exposed to the different footing)


This will toughen up your horses feet, which has many many advantages!!!! Including not having to put on easy boots, showing and more!





Robyn


love.malachai@yahoo.ca
Reply:I don't know about the other brands...I've tried the easy boots on a old gelding. They are such a pain to put on I used them about 3 times %26amp; tossed them in corner %26amp; that's where they stay. I shoe my own horses %26amp; it was easier to nail on a standard shoe than to put those things on. I understand the benefts , but the cost of them is reason enough not to use them.



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