Friday 26 February 2010

Hoof Boots that Pop Off!

Especially when you are venturing into the world of booting for the first time, there is a fairly inevitable moment that boot users dread where there time has come to lose a boot. Even the most seasoned users can loose one and no matter how well you plan ahead it is still very inconvenient!


The good news is, unlike metal horse shoes that are nailed in to the hoof wall, you don't have to worry about the nails ripping out chunks of horn but if you don't notice and your horses hooves aren't conditioned to the terrain, your horse could become sore.

The vast majority of boot failures come from operator error. If a boot does come off, try and work out why it happened. With a boot such as the Old Mac G2, the only real reasons for it to come off it either incorrect fit/size or a breakage. The internal strap works like a wrist watch strap, preventing the boot from being able to be pulled over the hoof. The lighterweight, slimmer fitting boots such as the Easyboot Glove hoof boot have the potential for loss if the fit is not as good as it should be. Fitted correctly on the right size and shape foot, the glove is unbeatable through mud or over any type of terrain, but the biggest problem we have seen with the Glove is that people seem to size them to big. It is important to remember that it is supposed to "fit like a glove" and that any gaps can become a problem.


The boot should fit snuggly to the hoof wall, with the 'V' slightly parted. A power strap can be used to improve the fit by closing the V.

The benefits of natural hoof care are worth the learning curve of loosing an occasional hoof boot. Remember it is best to always carry a spare if you are riding a long way from home and to check your protective hoof boots like you would any piece of equipment that you put on your horse.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.