I’ve tried every hoof boot on the
market (including the custom made ones) with poor results. I do have the new
Epics, but after futzing with things for 4 years, believe me it’s easier
on me and my horses to shoe.
Boots affect the breakover of my horse’s
hooves much more severely than do shoes. With shoes, you can set them back
where you need the breakover to be. You can’t do that with boots. You’re
pretty much stuck with the breakover being at the end of the boot.
Glad to hear things are working for you.
They didn’t for me.
Karen
From: terry banister
[mailto:terrybanister@xxxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005
7:14 PM To:kstandefer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx;
ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: RE: [RC] Barefoot/Shoeing
Hey
Karen,
You never
mentioned hoof boots. Now there are plenty of hoof boots on the market to
alternate with barefoot miles. You just ride your easier rides barefoot to keep
the soles calloused and tough, then boot your horse for the longer,
rougher rides to preserve hoof wall. There is no need to put shoes on just
because of hoof wear. You just monitor the hoof status and boot
accordingly. And do not have your trimmer take off too much sole.
My horse
is barefoot 10 years. I have been doing mid-pack 50-milers for three years now.
Many of the 50s were completely barefoot or booted on the hind only, and the
last several rides, he was booted on all four. There is no need to go slow
because of being barefoot. I have never had to ride any different than if
my horse were shod.
Terry
