Easyboots and foam

[DreamWeaver <karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us>]

Hi Sue:

>I read a post some time ago that also mentioned foam with easy boots.  What
>are we talking about here?  

The foam is a two-part mixture that is poured into the boot prior to
putting the boot on.  The foam foams up, filling in all the empty spaces in
the boot, and also works to 'glue' the boot onto the foot.  

>mentioned?  I also saw a strap advertised that is supposed to help hold
>them on -- is this an item that is worthwhile?  

I believe the strap you are talking about is one that connects to the easy
boot, and then to the horses ankle.  Only use this (especially at a ride!!)
if you know how your horse will react to something banging him in the
foot/leg.  Some horses go nuts bucking and jumping, and others will camly
stop and wait to be rescued :^).  

It is far more important to use a strap (such as a piece of nylon webbing
or even bailing twine) to pull the heel strap of the easy boot up and over
the back of the horses heel.  

I've heard
>comments about cutting the backs down so that they don't rub -- does this
>compromise the ability to keep the boot on?  

The backs need to be cut down, and doing so will not affect the useability
of the boot.

If you have a boot that is
>purchased as an emergency replacement for a lost shoe, how do I fit it
>correctly when my critters always have shoes on? 

The same boot should fit, however you may need to make some adjustments.
The quickest would be in how you wind the cable around the buckle part of
the boot.  Just buckling it tighter will help.  Be sure to get that heel
strap pulled up in the back.  There are instructions that come with the
boot which show how to adjust the cable to make it tighter.  Another thing
you can do (which you'd want to do ahead of time) is adjust the heel strap
to the next series of holes on one or both sides.  Depends on how your
horses foot will fit into the boots.  I'll often carry two easy boots
because neither of my horses will wear the same size on all of their feet.  

>Has anybody used the boots that are designed to use WITH shoes and have
>some method of securing them that requires a tool?  

Just the strap that pulls the heel strap up!!  

Could they be used
>WITHOUT shoes?  Would that necessitate having two different sizes along or
>would you just put those on at the beginning of a ride? 

Yes, you could.  I've used them a lot over unshod horses.  If I am using
them at a ride I always put them on before I vet in.  That way the vets can
see how the horse looks and moves in the easy boots.  We've done all of our
endurance miles with easy boots.  I see that more and more people are using
them as well.  They are a great alternative to pads, and offer more
protection for the horse.  

Don't forget to use vetwrap!!  

Happy Trails,

Karen
in Gardnerville, NV
& Dream Weaver, 1360 miles
& Rocky, 400 miles :-)