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Post by K on Dec 5, 2005 7:57:55 GMT 2
What do you guys think of these hoof boots as an alternative to shoeing?!?! Easycare Easy Boot  Old Macs Boots  Turf King Hoof Boots  |
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Post by Salinero on Dec 5, 2005 8:01:35 GMT 2
Hmm. I think if your horse is 99% fine without shoes, but needs a little help when you hack him on harder ground, then its fine. I don't think this is a permanent alternative to shoes though .. just a temporary help for sensitive feet.
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Post by K on Dec 5, 2005 8:09:48 GMT 2
Cool!!
And if you are like say a showjumper....would these help at all you think??
I'm curious because I'm looking to buy a 3 y/o mare...for jumping and she is barefoot at the moment...so I'm just wondering for a working horse if these would help?
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Post by Michy on Dec 5, 2005 8:17:14 GMT 2
Hey
I can only comment on the Old Macs, coz they are the only ones I have actually used (although I did look at the others before deciding on the Old Macs).
They are FANTASTIC! My horse has been barefoot for 4 months. Hind feet since Dec last year, but havent needed any protection. Front feet I use the Old Macs when I am jumping him and when working on hard/stony ground as this is when he still feels his feet. Otherwise we just work barefoot.
The boots are great if they fit correctly. Dont follow the sizing guide on the boxes as they land up too loose and chafe the coronets/pasterns- rather get a pair and try them or ask someone who has experience with them.
The horses take to them so quickly, my horse didnt even take one single funny step the first time he wore them.
Highly recommended!
PS I didnt choose the Easy boot as I thought it looked more suitable for poulticing etc, but not for lots of riding, and I found the closure system on the Turf King boots too fiddly.
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Post by Salinero on Dec 5, 2005 8:19:17 GMT 2
You use them for jumping? Do they really have enough grip? What about on wet grass, muddy spots, etc?
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Post by Michy on Dec 5, 2005 8:25:56 GMT 2
They do actually have quite a bit of grip, kinda like a hiking boot underneath. Hacked out in them on quite muddy ground in the rainy season and had not one single problem. Remember he only wears them in front, so has his own natural grip at the back. Actually on one occassion my friend's shod horse slipped walking next to my boy and he didnt!
Having said that I dont jump when its very muddy and slippery anyway, IMO its just not safe whether using boots/ shoes/ barefoot whatever.
I dont use them on grass really, as he is fine on grass. Use it on sand as sand doesnt give firm enough surface for them to be comfy when new to barefoot (sounds weird, as they are also uncomfy on too-hard ground)... but ya, they are really great and he works really well in them. It takes about 9 months for new hoof to grow down from the top so it is really an interim measure to help them through this phase.
A suggestion K, since your horse is already barefoot see how she goes on all surfaces, and just use the boots on those where is not comfy?
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Post by K on Dec 5, 2005 9:35:41 GMT 2
Thanks Michy!!
I'll do that!!
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Post by jess on Dec 6, 2005 18:49:25 GMT 2
How long do the old mac's last? Does the rubber sole not wear badly on rocky terrain?
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blaze
Weanling
Pony Lover!
Posts: 93
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Post by blaze on Dec 6, 2005 19:32:16 GMT 2
i think they r quite good.after my ponys 2nd laminitis,and cuz he wasnt goin 2 compete anymore,we had a choice of leaving the bar-shoes on,trying to fit a pair of old macks or just taking the shoes off and let the hooves grow.but he had his way in the end,he took his own shoes off!!!
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Post by ~WaKi~ on Dec 7, 2005 18:31:39 GMT 2
I think that they are awsome!
We use them on a number of horses that have such bad feet that you can't shoe them!
But they need shoes
It also is brill for horses with boxie feet!
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Post by Dusty Game on Jul 10, 2006 13:32:53 GMT 2
Can i be honest..............really? I think they look hideous.... LOL just my opinion. I dont know what they do.  |
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Post by Michy on Jul 10, 2006 14:52:39 GMT 2
DG they look odd to someone who is not used to them, as with everything. In the end I don't really care how they look as they do a great job and my horse is happy in them.
Jess- they do fine on rocky going. A lot of our outrides are rocky, and my Old Macs are going on 1 year old and still in good shape.
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Post by Saxon on Jul 10, 2006 19:17:29 GMT 2
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Post by Dusty Game on Jul 11, 2006 10:24:49 GMT 2
LOL i know michy was just teasing. I just think they look funny but i'm sure they work like a charm  |
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