Michelle,
I recommend buying one of each (Renegade and Epic) One for a front hoof and one for a hind, since front and hind feet are usually different sizes. That way, you will have invested in two really good boots, and you can decide for yourself. If you decide you like one better than the other, no worries, you will be able to sell the other one, no problem.
The Renegades were "designed" for barefoot horses because that is what boots are all about - natural lifestyle. However, when your horse throws a shoe, that hoof is now barefoot. Don't get hung up on words. The hoof should be measured when you remove the shoes for trimming. Buy a boot that fits the largest hoof.
I suggested the Epic rather than the Glove because the Epic is a little more adjustable, whereas the Glove needs to be a closer fit. I have had success in using a size 2 (front boot) Epic or Renegade on a size 1 hind foot, so if I were to carry only one spare, it would be the larger size.
You can also throw a roll of athletic tape in your pack with the spare boot. If you lose a shoe from the smaller hoof, just throw a few turns of tape on the hoof before applying the boot.
Terry "May the Horse (and the boots)be with You"
From: michelle.antoinette@xxxxxxxxx Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 11:24:17 -0400 Subject: [RC] Boots for "Emergencies" To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I have continually put off buying boots for multiple reasons. I had a couple easyboots that I ordered shortly after I bought my horse, but I hadn't even measured, and was afraid to even try them on, from what I had heard about how hard they can be to put on and take off. I know there are plenty of people who use easyboots, but my ideal is to have a boot that goes on pretty easily. But then I'd also like them to come off without too much of a fight, and am wondering if this is even possible, haha. My horse has very squarish feet, her length is only 4-10 mm longer than her width, which don't seem to go along with the easyboot gloves. I really liked the idea of the gloves, because they seemed really form-fitting and stable, but am not sure how they would do as emergency boots (as opposed to regularly-used boots), because if my horse loses a shoe, her foot will likely not be nicely smooth around and ready to fit into a glove. I am also worried about fit, because don't feet change their dimensions as they are either worn or not worn, as time passes? Anyway, I want to get some boots to keep in my pack for if my horse loses a shoe, but I just can't seem to make a decision, and I also wish there were people around selling boots in person so I could try them on or at least go someplace where someone actually knows how to measure the feet, lol. Since my horse keeps four shoes, it will be hard to actually try any boots on until the off-season, unless I try them on after my farrier trims her feet but before he nails the new shoes on =P Is there any simple, easy solution? ha ha.
-Michelle
-- "Don't breed or buy while shelter animals die"
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