ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Re: E-Z boots and Italian boots

[endurance] Re: E-Z boots and Italian boots

Stephanie Teeter (step@fsr.com)
Tue, 16 Apr 1996 10:52:31 +0800

Hi - I haven't had any personal experience with these, but I saw
them at the convention and was very interested. Becky Hart is
using them and I believe also selling them. The only unfavorable
think I've heard about them is that due to the rubbery nature of
the material, the surface grip is greater, and can stress tendons,
especially on asphalt-like surfaces, where the horse's feet would
normally slide some.

Steph

> I heard about the Italian boot (which is similar to the E-Z
> boot but since E-Z boot is trademarked we can't call them that)
> at the convention and ordered a pair from Sporttack for my
> chronic laminitis horse KC. KC has to always wear front shoes
> and shows particular sensitivity on hard ground and going down
> hill. The Italian boot is designed to fit over regular horse
> shoes. He got use to them in about a quarter mile and his
> willingness to go over hard ground improved as did his gait - no
> more stilted ouchy picking his way. These boots stay on well,
> and are even easier than E-Z boots to put on and take off (a
> good thing since KC not nearly as patient as Trav when it comes
> to having a foot fussed with for a lengthy period).

> Price with shipping and tax for a pair was $92.00. They're
> not in the catalog - you have to call and ask; they seem to be
> sized similarly to E-Z boots. I've been using mine for a month
> now with no noticeable wear but then this isn't a distance
> horse.

> I'd like to hear anyone else's experiences - especially if
> you've encountered any longterm problems due to the additional
> weight or the additional height they add. Tina in Santa Rosa,
> CA