First, make sure the entire heel is cut out of the back of the boot, all the
way down to the line that is there. I have found that a good pair of
scissors will cut right thru it, or else use a paring knife and saw all the
way around. One other thing I do before I apply the boot is clamp down the
metal teeth on the plate that is in the boot. This won't make any
difference, even when I have used the boots without the foam the boots seem
to stay on just fine if they are fitted properly. (I think the vetwrap
helps keep them on too)
Pre-fit the boot to the horse, making sure it fits properly and the heel
strap and wires are adjusted properly. Use a shoe-lace or other strong
string and loop it thru the center of the heel strap. When you put the boot
on the horse, have them step down and pull the both ends of the string until
the heel strap comes up over the heel, then let go of one end of the string
and pull it out. Then you can adjust the buckle. I strongly recommend if
you are going to leave the boots on for any length of time that you wrap the
heel with vetwrap or some other similar product. Three or four times around
works really well.
Okay, so you know the boot fits your horse, it has been cut down, and you
are ready to apply the boot with the easy foam. Get together everything you
will need and have it in one spot. (Warning: DO NOT even think about
applying the easy foam and boots to a horse that will not stand still for
more than five minutes or you will be in for a rude awakening when it comes
time to remove them!!). You will need these items: Rubber/latex gloves, a
plastic cup for mixing, tongue depressors or mixing spoon/stick (make sure
it's something disposable), a string for the heel strap, vetwrap, scissors
and the easy foam. Follow the mixing directions on the bottles of foam.
You will have two bottles - by mixing the two compounds together it creates
a chemical reaction that makes the foam expand. Be extra careful not to get
the mixture on yourself, as it will have to wear off :). Once you pour it
into the boot, be ready to apply the boot to the horse immediately. Have
the horse step down, pull the heel strap up over the heel (remember, the
heel will have already been wrapped with vetwrap), and clip down the buckle.
Within a few minutes the foam will start to expand and come out the sides
and top of the boot. (you can feel the heat from the reaction on the bottom
of the boot - wonder what the horse thinks of this). After it has set up
take the scissors and trim the globs of foam and vetwrap down to the edge of
the boot all the way around, so there is nothing there to cause any rubbing
or collect debris.
Removal time: Plan on doing it in stages the first time, as it is difficult
the first time, and frustrating, and really really irritating! (speaking
from experience)... Again, be prepared with all the items you will need.
This is what I use: A hoofpick, a chisel, and a flathead screwdriver. I
also get a nice soft seatcushion, since I will be spending a great deal of
time on the ground. Undo the buckle on the boot, then start by inserting
the flat edge of the hoofpick all the way around the edge of the boot along
the coronet band and loosen the boot as far as the hoofpick will reach.
Then start with the scredriver and chisel. Begin working on one side of the
boot, starting with the screwdriver and following with the chisel, or
whatever combination works for you. Slowly work the tools until they are
going all the way down the front and sides of the hoof to the bottom of the
boot - and separating the foam and boot from the hoof. Once you have done
that, you can start with prying from the bottom. Same basic concept, start
with one tool followed by the other, prying from one side around the entire
hoof to the other side. This is a slow process and you have to be careful
not to get any of the tools to where they will do any damage to the hoof,
and be ready to pull them out immediately if your horse decides he has had
enough. I usually work for a few minutes on one foot, then the other, and
so forth so the horse is more comfortable. Once you work your way around
with both tools, the boot should pop right off. It should, but most likely
it won't, so at this stage I usually start over from the beginning <g>.
There is a definite technique to this, and once you do it a couple of times
you'll get the finesse required for it and it gets MUCH easier!
I hope this helps to explain things to those who are interested. Please
feel free to e-mail me if you have any further questions.
Happy Trails,
Karen
in Gardnerville
karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us