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For anyone considering hoof boots...slight rant

2K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Missy May 
#1 ·
If any of you have done hours of surfing as I did about the various hoof boot options out there, you already know that all the boot manufacturers recommend that the sizing be done very carefully and that the boot fits well from day 1.

We all also know that the newly transitioned to unshod hoof will change shape over time. Some say the heel bulbs will spread out, the entire hoof capsule may widen, flares will grow out, toes will be shortened over time and heels will end up lower. All this points to the boots we picked on day 1 becoming more snug, right?

My horse decided to go the other way with this. When we first pulled his shoes, there was stretched white line everywhere, flares galore. Now that his new hoof capsule is growing in tighter, his boots are now too big!! ARRRGGGHHH!!! Who would expect that??? Headdesk!!! Luckily there is a market for used boots, so I am in the process of trading down, but just wanted to make others aware of the potential problem. I don't expect to still be playing this silly hoof boot game in a year or so, but for now he needs them for trails and I have to do a do-over in terms of boots.

If this info saves anyone else a few $$, that's good enough for me.
 
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#5 ·
I'm not on facebook, but thanks anyway. I found a good boot exchange group on yahoo, so I'm just looking for a seller the size I need.

I would have waiting, but I am not a patient person where riding is concerned. I wanted to be riding right away and the hoof boots let me do just that.

Overall, a healthier hoof causing the boots to come off is a good problem, but a problem just the same. I particuarly like the other problem where he is over-reaching and stepping off his front boots. This is a horse who couldn't track up to save his life when he was wearing shoes! Still have a long way to go, but so far it's all worth the effort.
 
#6 ·
Some say the heel bulbs will spread out, the entire hoof capsule may widen, flares will grow out, toes will be shortened over time and heels will end up lower. All this points to the boots we picked on day 1 becoming more snug, right?
As you've found, it depends. I find it's more common for horse's feet to become a smaller circumference actually. I think it's due to there usually being flaring, but also that even if contracted heels spread, it adds little if any to the width, which is measured from the widest point, not back at the heels.

Agree with Joe & I always advise new clients that while they may want/need boots now, they need to be aware they might not fit further down the track, so it may be preferrable for them to wait a couple of trims.
 
#7 ·
The obvious problem with waiting is that the horse usually needs them more at the initial stages than later when the feet have already changed shape. I wish more trimmers stocked rental boots now that I know.
 
#8 ·
Yes, that is a prob & if I could only afford to stock a range of boots for rental... I find many people choose to get the boots anyway & I do advise them of places they may sell them on, but I do think it's a matter of ethics - not to mention good business practice - to inform people of the possiblity & likelihood of the horse needing a different size down the track.

Back to your specific situation, forgot to mention, using padding or inserts will often help fit a boot adequately if it's just a bit big for the hoof.
 
#9 ·
Bummer.
I don't sell my boots when they are outgrown or no longer needed. It has been my experience that they might come in handy sooner than you think. I just clean them and store them inside.
But, they are super easy to sell if you are positive-positive you won't need them.
 
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