ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: easyboots

Re: easyboots

DreamWeaver (karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us)
Thu, 19 Jun 1997 10:12:02 -0700

At 07:37 AM 6/19/97 -0800, you wrote:
>I (think) am going to start using easyboots on the front hooves of my
>horse for trail rides. She has had a history of problems with her front
>feet and they are again sore. She may have been trimmed a little too
>short this last time. Anyway, can anyone tell me the easiest way to get
>these things on her? They will be going over her shoes. Our rides are

Hi Andrea:

I use easy boots. There has been quite a bit of stuff written on the
subject that is in the archives.

Your horse may take a larger size boot to go on over the shoe, than when it
is unshod. It is easier to try and put on a boot that is the next size up
than to try and wedge one on that is slightly too small. If you do use a
boot that is a little bit large, you can tighten the heel strap in the back.
They can be tightened down quite a bit, just unscrew them, trim down the end
and screw back on in the next set of holes. You can do that on both ends of
the strap if need be. A lot of the trick in getting the boots to stay on is
in getting the cable adjusted properly. There is a little instruction
pamphlet that comes with the boots that is real helpful in describing how to
adjust the cable.

As far as putting them on - practice, practice, practice. Work one side,
then the other and slowly pull the boot on over the hoof. Pull the sides of
the boot where the metal gripper plates are out, away from the hoof and pull
up and over. (does that make sense?). For removing, use a big flathead
screwdriver and again work slowly and from side to side, keeping the gripper
plates from scratching up the hoof wall.

>fairly short. About 1 to 2 hour trail rides over hard and somewhat rocky
>desert terrain. I'm hoping I can use the easyboots until the sole bruising

Those rides will be an excellent start to getting your horse accustomed to
the boots. If you notice any sensitivity on the heel bulb then use vetwrap
to wrap the foot or the heel strap itself. Always use webbing (or a string)
to pull the heel strap up in the back before you buckle the front. If your
horse interferes (rear to front), cut the back of the boot down. It should
be cut down flush with the heel strap to start with. In my experience, the
boots work just find if the entire back end is cut out of them.

Let me know if you have any more questions. Happy Trails,

Karen
& Weaver 775 miles in ez boots!
& Rocky 100 me too :-)

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