Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

At 09:12 PM 3/14/2005, terry banister wrote:
> Karen,
> That is exciting news to hear a "transition" story about a horse that had 
> previously been shod and had no time to develop calloused soles, yet still 
> completed a difficult 50-miler!
> I am curious about your comments:  "I wanted to see if the boots would work
> > as they came, and they did.  With no alterations."
>
> . . . yet you stated:
> "Next ride, this is what I will do with the Epics:
> > Remove gaitor, cut down heel strap in back, put gaitor back on
> > Grind toe even more, to speed breakover on the front feet only
> > I will put them on and off each day
> > At the vet check and/or at any other opportune times, I will undo the 
> > velcro and check for sand/pebbles"
>
> Why?

Hi Terry -- well, because I think I can make it better, the first ride was 
a learning experience. These boots are afterall, Easyboots with a gaitor, 
so I really am only making the adjustments that I have previously made for 
years to regular Easyboots with much success. Chief needs the faster 
breakover in the toe, on the fronts, and I'd like to reduce the amount of 
heel strap, I've never had luck in the past using them as wide as they 
come. That is due in part to my horses living at over 5500' elevation and 
having mud, and snow to contend with so soft heel bulbs. We are just 
starting to dry out now. At one of the vet checks, I checked the 
boots/velcro and pulled out a couple of pebbles that had gotten into the 
back of the boots -- so I think I will check that from now on just to be on 
the safe side. No use causing a tender spot. At the end of the ride the 
boots were really clean inside, I was surprised after all of the sand we 
went thru.

Do you think I need to watch for him getting sore anytime after this ride? 
I keep feeling his legs, ankle, and hooves several times a day and 
everything is cool and normal.  If there is something I should be paying 
particular attention to, could you let me know? So far he looks absolutely 
excellent, you'd never know he did a ride Saturday. He has really strong 
feet, and since my goal is to not ride him as much this year this is a good 
time to try this. :)

Have you tried the Epics without a heel strap yet? Wondering if they'd stay 
on.

Karen




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