Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Hi Moriah,
	There are a variety of hoofboots available now which is a good news/bad 
news situation because while you've got lots to choose from, you do have 
to figure out what's going to work best for you - no free ride, you have 
to do some research!
	> http://www.easycareinc.com/Default.aspx

has more information than any one person can absorb in a lifetime about 
barefoot horses and hoofboots.  And the company's customer reps are 
really knowledgeable and friendly.  Easycare makes the boots that are 
designed for endurance and long distance riding - Easyboots, Epics and 
Bares, as well as Old Macs and Boas which are designed for less rigorous 
use.  There are other boots available too from other makers.
	I use Bares and Epics so I'm most familiar with those products.  My 
horse has been barefoot since last September and I am sold on the 
benefits.  I do have to say though that the transition process, 
including finding the correct boot and size, isn't a piece of cake.  If 
you decide to use hoofboots be prepared for a very steep learning curve 
and some expense before you feel like you've gotten it more or less 
right.  Part of the reason is that your horses' feet sizes and shapes 
will probably change during the transition from shod to barefoot.
	I also live in a very rocky place and the boots give excellent 
protection.  There may be periods during your horse's transition when 
his feet will be tender but persevere and maybe put pads in the boots 
for extra cushioning.  Normally, I ride here at home on rocky trails 
with no boots but I do use boot on endurance rides.
	As for fit, read what each boot maker recommends.  I'd measure when you 
have the shoes removed and use that as a starting size measurement.  If 
the hoof size doesn't match a boot size, consult the company as to which 
size to go with!
	There can be an adjustment time both for you and your horse. 
Definitely plan to use the boots on training rides at home before using 
them at an event!  Putting them on is a bit of a process that you'll 
want to have practiced.
Hope this helps!
Laney
No, I don't work for Easycare.
Moriah Nickerson wrote:
> Hi All,  I have read the great debates on shoes v. barefoot and for now 
> I would like to keep my boy barefoot.  I am looking for some advise on 
> boots as alternatives to shoes for my horse.  However, where I ride is 
> really rocky (new england) and I don't want him to have sore feet. 
> Is it possible to just put boots on him when we ride, and will that give 
> him enough protection from rocks? 
> What boots work best on barefoot horses? 
> Is there an adjustment time for them to get used to boots or break them in?
> The boot seems like a rather rigid shape, does it form to their feet at 
> all, or is it a "best fit"?
> Do they work in snow, and how are the added studs for traction?
> What other problems might I encounter that my worry-wart brain has not 
> already dreamed up??
> thanks in advance for the advise! :)
> moriah and rubix


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=