Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

> How do other people determine when it's time to replace the boots, and 
> what is the average amount of miles people get on the boots?
It depends on the horse, the terrain, and the speed at which you 
travel.  If I go slower the boots last longer than they do when I ride 
faster.  Some trails also wear the boots faster.  Once the tread starts to 
disappear I usually retire those boots to spares, either they go on the 
saddle, or the crewbag or trailer for backup boots.  I may also use them 
for training in, or if I lend one out.  Depending upon the ride, I'll 
choose boots with more or less tread as well -- if I know I'm going over a 
lot of rocks or pavement (rocks as in solid large pieces of it) I'll use 
boots with more tread so I have less chance of slipping.  Front boots last 
longer than hind boots usually -- again, depends on the horse.  I've had 
some boots do dozens of rides, and others that you were very thankful that 
the boots were taking the wear the trail gave rather than your horses 
foot.  I think the most I've done on a set of boots was 800 miles.  Front 
boots usually last longer, so it also depends on how the boots get rotated, 
since I often use the same boots on different horses, and go from fronts to 
hinds.

I should also mention that Chief never slipped all 3 days at Mt. Carmel in 
the Epics.  We went thru a huge variety of terrain.  I think he's learning 
how to go in them, getting more comfortable in them and feeling secure and 
learning how to move over the various terrain with them.  I held my breath 
the first day and was pretty nervous about some of the footing we went 
thru.  The year before he did this ride with Ground Control shoes on and 
once slipped sideways several feet over some of the slickrock.  Did not 
slip on that same slickrock with the easyboots.  :)

If you get holes in your toes, line the inside of the boot with a couple of 
layers of duct tape.  That can get you thru another day or two, anyway.

Karen


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