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Switching to boots

9K views 93 replies 9 participants last post by  Blue 
#1 ·
Hello all. I've perused the threads in this topic and there are so many that will give me an education but I decided it's best to ask my questions outright hoping for specific input and thoughts.

I have a 17.2h paint gelding, Dutch. Even though I don't ride him often, mostly because of his size, I don't necessarily want to get rid of him either. I like him. However, he has crappy feet. Thin walls and tender soles and in Arizona terrain that can be difficult.

Recently my new farrier came out and fashioned a temporary hoof pad so I could ride and see if sole protection would help him on the trail. Lo and behold he not only moved easier, his entire body language was much more relaxed. It wasn't a perfect solution as being temporary it was just a quick fix. The temps have worn off now and he's back to his tender footed self.

We've decided to switch to boots. I'm going to ask my farrier to come out this week and pull his shoes so we can get a good barefoot trim and measure so I can order right away. I know how sore he's going to be barefoot while waiting for the boots to arrive so I'm trying expedite as much as safely possible.

I'm not going to even try to pretend that I know much about barefoot trims as opposed to shod trims, but will say that I really like my new farrier. He is the one that stated that he didn't want to pull the shoes too soon as he wanted enough good growth to work with for a better barefoot trim as opposed to shoeing him again. Hope that made sense. But, I really liked how he explained some of the differences to me.

On to my question.

I'm considering the Cavalo Simple boots. Haven't ever used them myself but have heard very good things about them.

A friend recently bought a TWH that is already in Scoot Boots. She is impressed with them and likes how easy to use they are. I am too, but am concerned with the ordering and shipping time frame as I would prefer not to leave him completely bare and sore for that long.

I've used Renegade's in the past and they are an excellent boot, but I had to make so many modifications to them to allow for our low brush and terrain that they were difficult to use.

Can anyone give me some insight as to your experiences with any of these products? Or other suggestions?

Of course I want whats best for my horse, but I need them to be reasonably simple for me as well. I don't have the greatest of hand and finger strength and some mornings arthritis can be a nuisance. And with his size I can't always get up and down to adjust or reapply a lost boot.

I should add as well, that we are on an irrigated lot providing mostly soft soil. I have rubber mats in their stalls and try to provide as much comfort as possible so during the waiting period for new boots to arrive and can do as much as possible to keep him comfortable, but he's a big guy and no plan is perfect.
 
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#2 ·
1. Have the farrier measure when he trims but keep in mind, at about four weeks, the hooves will start to outgrow the boots.

1.1. This is where boot sizes are crucial, they don't all fit the same, not even from the same company.

1.2. You may want to go up a size in boots to accommodate the hoof as it grows out. You can always put home made 3/8" pads in the boots to help keep the hoof from shifting, or just know you have to get the hooves trimmed back more frequently.

1.3. That said, you still have to be careful about not getting boots that are too big on the hooves or they stand a chance of flipping sideways, or backward, or clear off the hoof.

There is no cost savings with boots, lollol

2. Different style boots (within a particular company) fit different shaped hooves.

For example Duke had flat soles with low heels that tended toward under running. EasyCare's "Gloves" fit him well.

The Gloves would not even begin to stay on Joker whose heels are much taller. He could wear Boas but they aren't made anymore.

3. Because your horse has tender soles, I would not put the Scoots on him. They don't look like they give any sort of sole support. I would worry he would feel big rocks if you get into any sort of rocky terrain. They don't even look like you could put pads in them.

Scoots remind me of Hoofwings, which the vet told me to throw them in the garbage before I crippled Joker permanently. The Hoofwings were custom made and sored Joker up at the first wearing - I was livid and do NOT recommend them unless they might go on a horse with absolutely no hoof health issues.

3.1. Find a boot with a thick sole that offers support. If the boot is advertised as "---good for rehab, foundered horses---", etc, it should have a solid, thick, protective sole.

4. As far as brand, I am strictly EasyCare, BUT I have never booted a horse for trail riding. I use boots for rehab. The horse is on pasture every day, so the boots do get a lot of use. My last set of Boas have lasted two years, walking the pasture every day.

5. Supplements. You have probably run the gamut, lol. When the farm vet took x-Rays last summer, he had me put Joker (who is foundered) on Nanric's "Biotin 100, Extra Strength". It has helped, but Joker never did have Shelly hooves to begin with.
NANRIC Extra Strength Biotin 100

Nanric products are actually Ric Redden, a DVM/equine podiatrist in KY.

You can also paint the souls and outer hooves with Durasole or Keratex. I use Keratex; a lot of people don't like it but I've used it in Joker 1-2/weekly since 2012 with good results and no negative affects.

****

Your biggest issues are intervals between trims so the boots always fit.

Sizing is critical and pay attention to the heel bulb height.

buy something with a "rehab" thick sole so it offers more protection.

Good luck:D:D
 
#3 ·
Walk, thanks for the prompt input. All good food for thought.

My farrier and I have already discussed whether he would need a trim more often. As he lives just up the road from me, he said it isn't an issue for him. I'm in love with this young man because he actually puts the welfare of the horse over my convenience or his time frame. There's good news there.

If I remember correctly when using the Renegades, at one point I had to make pads out of that foamy kitchen floor mat stuff. worked wonders for added protection and out of one mat you could get about 50 pads!

In researching the Cavalo Simple's I learned that Dutch would need the Simple boots on front as that's his "normal" shaped hoof. His backs are actually narrower even within normal parameters, so we'd have to order the narrower boot they make. The name escapes me right now, but they do make one that is designed for a narrow hoof. Trekker? Sadly, his back feet are the thinnest walls so need ample protection as well.

I feel validated that you mentioned the "light wear" of the Scoots. I had noticed that and was concerned however with no experience of them couldn't tell for sure. My friend that is using them has only had her new mare for a week and that's just not enough time to tell about wear. Our shoer did say however, that the Scoots would wear out quickly in our terrain as opposed to where the mare came from which was beautiful, smooth easy trail.

The supplements I've tried for him have done wonders for his coat, skin, mane and tail. He's a beauty for sure, but his feet are what they are. I find that sticking with good quality hay and pasture does more good than anything I've found for him so far. I've spent a lot of money only to get a longer, thicker tail!

I find your suggestion of looking for "rehab" boots very helpful. I will approach my research from that angle and see if I find more. I will all also research Easycare and see what I can find.
 
#4 ·
When looking for boots, it is also important to look for intended use
Some boots that are sold as rehabilitative boots, are not really designed for riding, although some riding boots are more designed to allow more padding, then others, thus better for a horse that needs that extra protection
I love the Renegades, for a horse that has no hoof issues, has a 'normal' shaped hoof, and requires at most, those thin pads one can cut from some of those matts
I had mine modified, just replacing that Velcro closure that holds the main cable, with a buckle system. In a pinch, you can use a good curb strap. THat did wonders, far as the boots staying on very well.
The Cavellos (trail) do allow for padding, and their one version comes in sizes for narrow hooves also. Hubby has a pair for his horse
I used Easyboot epics, on Smilie, with padding to trail ride, but don't like the cable set up
I do have the Easyboot Gloves, along with the powerstrap. Very easy to put on, and work well just riding down the road, around home, but found they came off too easy on any chellenging rides I Have not tried their Backcountry boots, built on the basic glove, but plan to, if I buy another brand of boots
For straight re rehabilitation boots,, I used the Softrides
 
#5 ·
Smilie, when I was using Renegades I replaced all of the velcro straps with similar sized dog collars. Worked wonders, but still modifying something that I've paid for just grates me a little bit. If that's what it comes to then that's what I'll do. But those modifications are what have sent me on this quest for other answers.

Even on our easy trails we will be in rocks, canyons, streams and mountains. That's an easy day.
 
#6 ·
The temps have worn off now and he's back to his tender footed self.
Yes, sounds like he's desperate for sole protection/support. And yes, a horse like that I'd have out of shoes ASAP generally, to start growing him some healthier feets. It's vital to do what it takes to keep him comfortable though. Hopefully you don't mean he's sore just in the paddock at home? Only when out on a trail or such?? If that were the case, you'd be looking at rehab boots - most hoof boots made for riding aren't suitable to leave on in the paddock long term. Rehab boots tend to be far 'freer' size-wise too though, so you may be able to measure his feet now & order them without waiting if they're needed. If you order boots from Easycare at least, they should be express posted to you, so hopefully only a few days from ordering. In the time being, if he really is that sore, you can always resort to duct tape & styrofoam. Doesn't last long, but does the trick for 'first aid'.

I'm not going to even try to pretend that I know much about barefoot trims as opposed to shod trims, but will say that I really like my new farrier. He is the one that stated that he didn't want to pull the shoes too soon as he wanted enough good growth to work with for a better barefoot trim as opposed to shoeing him again.
Yeah, if previous farriers have pared sole & frog, best that that can grow a bit, but if walls are allowed to overgrow, that won't be helping, and it's possible that pressure on excessive walls, when removed(walls trimmed) could cause the horse to be more sensitive, regardless how good the farriery. It's always a good practice to trim frequently enough to *maintain* good hoof function, not allow much overgrowth & distortion in between. Every 3-5 weeks is about ideal/adequate for most horses.

That is one of the 'normal' differences between a shod horse & well managed bare feet(not that there's *necessarily* much if any difference) - hooves are allowed to overgrow before being 'corrected' every 6-8 weeks or so), and in order to have enough wall to attach shoes to, if the hooves are distorted, unhealthy, even a good farrier may have to do a slightly compromised job if shoes are wanted. Walls are generally trimmed flat to the ground, for the shoe to attach to flat, which can cause excess pressure/flaring at the quarters, and toe, if shoes are flat(rather than rolled toe) ahead of the 'breakover'.

As there is a lot to learn, most factors relating to hoof health, strength, management are up to the owner(such as nutrition, which is vitally important), not just occasional good farriery, I do think it's vital for you to do your own homework & learn for yourself, if you want the best for your horse. To that end, you can check out the links below my signature to start with.

I'm considering the Cavalo Simple boots. Haven't ever used them myself but have heard very good things about them.
They can be good. No good for rehab/paddock boots tho. Not as hard wearing as some, but if they're just for occasional use... But as Walkin said, different boots are different shaped/sized, so get the feet well trimmed & measured first, then look at which types are going to suit him.

A friend recently bought a TWH that is already in Scoot Boots. She is impressed with them and likes how easy to use they are. I am too, but am concerned with the ordering and shipping time frame as I would prefer not to leave him completely bare and sore for that long.
Yeah, don't leave him sore at all if you can help it. If it's just for riding, keep to yielding, soft ground. Not sure how good Scoot Boots are with pads - some boots, such as Easycare Gloves for eg. aren't really made for pads & it's likely he will benefit from pads in the boots. Aside from pads, hoof shape & firmess of fit are common considerations - you probably don't want boots made to fit so snugly they require maintenance every couple of weeks. Ease of use, as you mentioned, is another. I personally think Easycare Epics for eg are still about the best 'general purpose' boot, but they can be a bit tricky to fasten/undo for some people.

Easycare have good info on their site, on the pros & cons & considerations of choosing their boots. There are other 'compare hoof boots' sites out there, & while this one doesn't appear to have been updated lately(doesn't include Scoot boots), here's something to start you on. Hoof boots - Number one resource for all makes and models
 
#7 ·
Hi, I found the Cavalo boots to be very round. Also very bulky. They did stay on well but my horse would stumble and one cut her nose on the outer flap of the boot. Don't ask. They do have room for pads. They also make these obnoxious pastern wrap things to wear with them so they don't rub the pasterns which they did in my horse. I had trouble with the pastern things as they would move once I got the boot on and then they would bunch up and rub.


The Renegades I had trouble with because of the heel bulb part of it since my horse 's heel bulbs at that time were very small and low to the ground. They did stay on but collected allot of dirt.


Easy boot Epics came off and then the metal clip did damage to the other hoof when she landed on it. A competitive trail trainer I know swears by them and uses them successfully on her Arab horses.


The easy boot gloves would come off until my farrier heat fit them to my horse. They stayed on well then but with pads not so much.


Easy boot trails I didn't like because they Velcro at the heel, and the Velcro I felt wasn't enough to keep them on and it wasn't.


The Easyboot Rx's are nice because they didn't seem to rub my horse anywhere and I could use pads with them. They are okay for the horse to wear in pasture etc. I only rode in them at the walk as they are not designed for riding. They do twist occasionally.


A friend rides in the easy boot clouds and they work great for her. Also not designed for riding in so she only walked on the trail, but they did stay on.


I have had allot of luck with duct tape and pads but it took me years to obtain these skills.
 
#8 ·
Let's see - I've not got a lot to add, as there is much great input already posted.

My horse had significant hoof quality issues, and I also ended up having his shoes pulled for the same reasons that you described. I added quality supplements and bought boots for riding. The difference in his hoof quality now (as a barefoot horse) and before (as a shod horse) is draw-dropping amazing. (Note: I'm not at all against shoes. We ended up barefoot as a result of hoof quality issues, and it is working for us. But I'm not criticizing shoes.). He does live in a somewhat rocky field, so he was a bit tender-footed initially after having the shoes pulled. However, he adapted, and with the addition of supplements, his feet now are beautiful.

I use Renegades. And my guy wears 4 boots when we ride. I've never had one come off. (However, I live and ride in Maryland, USA, and everything here is pretty moderate -- moderate weather, moderate terrain.) (I'm quite impressed with the modifications that you and Smilie describe. I've never thought of that.) My biggest issue with using boots is the need to "trim" myself in between when the barefoot farrier comes. I use the quotation marks on "trim", because what I do is very moderate compared to what the trimmer does. I'm frightened of nippers, and so have not invested in a pair. (I could see myself lopping off a portion of my horses hoof). I use a hoof knife and a rasp and am able to keep my guy neatened up and fitting in his renegades between trims. (It is very difficult here to get a barefoot trim, so frequency for us is an issue. It sounds like you're in a lucky situation in that you have a good farrier just up the road who is willing to come frequently. I'm respectfully jealous.). I will say that learning some basics to keep the hoof neat in between trims really is not very hard. (If I can do it, most others can too!). I will add that if you do get a hoof knife, get a loop knife. It's much easier for women and those of us with arthritis issues.

I think that supplements really have been the key to our success. I agree that a stable, good quality diet also will do the trick. However, that is a bit harder to manage with the changes in season (maybe not so much for your in AZ), and I think that you may need to power up on some supplements at the beginning (first 6 months, really) to get his feet toughened up. Then, you might be able to ween off the supplements and just keep up with the good quality diet. (I used Farrier's Formula Double Strength (just because it was conveniently available) and have since switched to a SmartPak variety that comes combined with some other stuff.)

I fully can understand that when one combines the cost of the Renegade with a need to make modifications that this makes the Renegade less desirable. I will say that there must be lots of people like me who have spent scads of money on various sizes and shapes (Renegade now makes a model that is ordered by the millimeter to accommodate some different hoof shapes) who have an excess of Renegade shells and parts available for the asking. If you're going to end up ginning something up (making modifications), I think that getting some used shells and parts might be the way to go. (My horse is a very small-footed QH. He has Size 0 and Size 1 as well as some that were ordered from the millimeter set that are ever so slightly smaller than the Size 0. I'm imagining that your 17.2 guy might have big feet. If not, let me know. I have excess.)

Lastly, the shape and size of my horses' hooves changed as he went through the process of getting to healthy, well-trimmed feet. Therefore, you may want to avoid a huge outlay of money right now and buy as many used varieties as you can find. (I hear you that you are worried about turn-around time. And it may be even worse in trying to buy used. However, I really wish that someone would have given me that advice as I went through the process. When I total up the amount of money that I have spent on Renegade boots in various sizes, it makes me queasy. Maybe go with diapers and duck tape while you hunt around for a selection of used boots.)

If your horse does have small feet, let me know. I have shells and parts that might could help.
 
#9 ·
Yes, sounds like he's desperate for sole protection/support. And yes, a horse like that I'd have out of shoes ASAP generally, to start growing him some healthier feets. It's vital to do what it takes to keep him comfortable though. Hopefully you don't mean he's sore just in the paddock at home? Only when out on a trail or such?? If that were the case, you'd be looking at rehab boots - most hoof boots made for riding aren't suitable to leave on in the paddock long term. Rehab boots tend to be far 'freer' size-wise too though, so you may be able to measure his feet now & order them without waiting if they're needed. If you order boots from Easycare at least, they should be express posted to you, so hopefully only a few days from ordering. In the time being, if he really is that sore, you can always resort to duct tape & styrofoam. Doesn't last long, but does the trick for 'first aid'.

Loosie, He's SLIGHTLY sore in the pasture. Maybe sore isn't even the right word. More like careful with his feet. Like if he gets mud build up in his hoof and then gets a rock stuck in there. I go out and pick out his feet and he's fine again. However, now you have me wondering if I will be needing two different types of boots for him, even if for just awhile. One set for tender footsies here at home and then something tougher and more appropriate for riding our rough trails. Haha, I've done the duct tape and styrofoam thing before too! I don't know who's face was more adorable. My husband's when I asked him to bring home a thick sheet of styrofoam or Dutch's when I had him taped up.

Is it possible I wonder to order approximation size of "pasture boots" ahead of time so that I have something here for him right off?

That is one of the 'normal' differences between a shod horse & well managed bare feet(not that there's *necessarily* much if any difference) - hooves are allowed to overgrow before being 'corrected' every 6-8 weeks or so), and in order to have enough wall to attach shoes to, if the hooves are distorted, unhealthy, even a good farrier may have to do a slightly compromised job if shoes are wanted. Walls are generally trimmed flat to the ground, for the shoe to attach to flat, which can cause excess pressure/flaring at the quarters, and toe, if shoes are flat(rather than rolled toe) ahead of the 'breakover'

Yup, that pretty much describes what's been going on with his feet. He's always had the stereotypical "bad paint feet". White, soft, you know. But, never this bad. This whole problem has been building over maybe a year. Maybe a little more. Sadly, I didn't know what to make of it, until it reached this point. When I tried to talk to my old farrier about it, wondering what to do and why was it getting worse, odd that he became suddenly difficult to get ahold of and finally he just couldn't fit me into his schedule. Which is just as well, because I was wondering about the need to switch anyway. In that direction I'm really looking forward to getting past this initial stage of soreness when pulling the shoes and getting on with new growth.

eah, don't leave him sore at all if you can help it. If it's just for riding, keep to yielding, soft ground. Not sure how good Scoot Boots are with pads - some boots, such as Easycare Gloves for eg. aren't really made for pads & it's likely he will benefit from pads in the boots. Aside from pads, hoof shape & firmess of fit are common considerations - you probably don't want boots made to fit so snugly they require maintenance every couple of weeks. Ease of use, as you mentioned, is another. I personally think Easycare Epics for eg are still about the best 'general purpose' boot, but they can be a bit tricky to fasten/undo for some people.

Looking at the Scoots myself I'm not sure a pad is practical with them. As it's almost impossible to stick to soft ground when trail riding here, until his feet are more stable there will be very little riding going on. I can trailer to a public arena in a neighboring town. I will definitely look for a boot that offers padding options.

Lightning, that is great information that helps me out a lot. Thank you. I'm making lists of things to consider and specifically naming your experiences is very valuable to me.
 
#11 ·
My horse had significant hoof quality issues, and I also ended up having his shoes pulled for the same reasons that you described. I added quality supplements and bought boots for riding. The difference in his hoof quality now (as a barefoot horse) and before (as a shod horse) is draw-dropping amazing. (Note: I'm not at all against shoes. We ended up barefoot as a result of hoof quality issues, and it is working for us. But I'm not criticizing shoes.). He does live in a somewhat rocky field, so he was a bit tender-footed initially after having the shoes pulled. However, he adapted, and with the addition of supplements, his feet now are beautiful

Jenndieu, The supplements are an interesting thought. Even though I had absolutely no luck with any of them while shod I now wonder if the shoeing process and the shoes where inhibiting the effects of any supplements. I think it is worth investing in a good product to use while barefoot and see if I get better results. And I do anticipate that Dutch will adapt, but as tender as he is now I can only imagine how he's going to be when he no longer has those shoes between his big size 2's and the ground.

My biggest issue with using boots is the need to "trim" myself in between when the barefoot farrier comes. I use the quotation marks on "trim", because what I do is very moderate compared to what the trimmer does. I'm frightened of nippers, and so have not invested in a pair. (I could see myself lopping off a portion of my horses hoof). I use a hoof knife and a rasp and am able to keep my guy neatened up and fitting in his renegades between trims. (It is very difficult here to get a barefoot trim, so frequency for us is an issue. It sounds like you're in a lucky situation in that you have a good farrier just up the road who is willing to come frequently. I'm respectfully jealous.). I will say that learning some basics to keep the hoof neat in between trims really is not very hard. (If I can do it, most others can too!). I will add that if you do get a hoof knife, get a loop knife. It's much easier for women and those of us with arthritis

Jenn, I'm impressed with your skills of trimming yourself. I've wondered at it many times, but am terrified of doing more damage than good. Big Dutch is very easy to handle so would probably be a good candidate to learn on. Hmmmm.... we'll see. And, I'lll keep my eyes open for used options, but here in Arizona there are many barefoot horses. Most of what I've found used has been too well used or broken. Not sure I want to open a can of worms. And thank you so much for that offer of parts, but Dutch's feet are a size 2 now and I actually anticipate a little more as they grow and develop in a healthier way. Or that's my hope, anyway.

Hondo, I don't have pictures right now, but will get some this afternoon. I actually have a spare stall that I was using for storage and am cleaning it out for the specific purpose of working with feet. It's level, clean and dry with rubber mats over concrete. I know the area you ride in and will look into the Gloves and the fit kit. It may be an option for Dutch.
 
#13 ·
Here is a link to pics on the easycare site. http://www.easycareinc.com/our_boots/easyboot_glove/Easyboot_glove.aspx Or did you want pics of MY gloves?

I do not find them difficult to put on. For the fronts I get his knee in my hip joint to push against and then twist slightly left and right while pulling them on. When they are on and secure, they won't twist anymore. But I still check the center of his bulbs to make certain they are centered.

Sometimes when it is cold out, the boot can be a little more difficult to install. In those cases sometimes when I put his foot down the boot is not really fully installed. I pick it back up and use a dead blow mallet to tap then the rest of the way on. For that reason I generally bring the boots inside the night before if it is cold. 22F for the ovenite low last night.

The fit kit is 3 boots shells, one above and one below what you've measured for. Measurement and trim are important. The video for the boots and instructions for measurement should be followed carefully as with the video for the fit kit. The fit kit is $12 for shipping to and from. They send a USPS package all addressed and paid for to return the boot shells.

The boot shells can be purchased at 4/$88 which makes replacement $22 each. Not bad if you can just replace and use the old gaiters.

The new gaiter is a little more difficult to install as it does not stay folded back but it is much better than the old. I use one hand to hold it back while twisting it onto the foot.

So anyhow, once you spend $12 for the fit kit you will have your own idea of whether they are or are not difficult to apply.

Since I often cross water and have had problems with foot infections, I have begun adding a dilute solution of Lysol to the boot after installation. Not really necessary for a dry ride, but with water crossing it's a good idea for any boot that will hold water, IMO.
 
#14 ·
Far as hoof boots and challenging riding, I have found none that give the same security of footing, as shoes, unless you add studs
I won't ride in hoof boots on steep climbs, esp if there are muddy /slippery areas, as you have no traction, and have in fact, taken hoof boots off for that reason, put then in my saddlebags, and rode barefoot
I also found that hoof boots just don't make a horse careful, picking their footing through tangled roots, ect, as they don't feel the ground
Even serious endurance riders that use hoof boots, versus shoes, have gone to glue on versions of those boots
Renegades with buckles



Pastern strap is applied loose, only as a sort of safety strap, thus not critical at all. Far as the heel captivator, you have to make sure you put it on high enough.
 
#16 · (Edited)
I used the gloves, and they are easy to put on. You can use a rubber mallot to tap them in place.
However, they do not stay on well, JMO, unless you at least also add the power strap
Even then,m they blow off in tough going, and I thought Easycare discontinued them, by themselves, and build the Backcountry glove around them, could be wrong
Here is the power strap
http://www.easycareinc.com/our_boots/easyboot_glove/Easyboot_glove.aspx

Yes, guess they did discontinue the production of the glove itself, as I thought, although some stock remains

The Easyboot Backcountry is built on the glove, and obviously, because the gloves by themselves, do not stay on well, when going gets tough

http://www.easycareinc.com/our_boots/easyboot_glove_backcountry/easyboot_glove_backcountry.aspx
 
#17 ·
Oh no. Gloves are not discontinued and never will be. They are easycare owner's and the public's favorite easycare boot.

I used the powerstrap in the past. It is only needed with a long toe or the wrong size boot.

Nice picture of the buckles on the Renegades. I considered doing that when I had Renegades. I have put D-Ring buckles on the gloves when the Velcro becomes shaky.

Agreed that boots are for good on trail footing. Hondo was so much better with the Ground Controls in confidence. He studies the ground much more closely when negotiating difficult obstacles with boots. The Ground Controls really helped get Hondo's foot in better balance with a set back break over. But they just cover a lot of the foot and until he is 100% free any and all possible infections no matter how slight he will be barefoot.

That said, he is getting stronger and stronger barefoot and may still become a barefoot rock crusher. Hope hope.
 
#18 ·
Not wanting to see an "are they" or "are they not" discontinued debate, I just now called EasyCare.

They are, indeed, still making the original Gloves but they have upgraded the gator insert.
 
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#23 ·
Can you provide alink to those boots? I do use them for Smilie, around home at times, as easy to put of, so would like to know if they still can be purchased. I do know that the shell, without the gator is also sold as a glue on, so I guess, yes, they make the original shell, but did not realize that they also up dated them to be used as a removable riding boot, with anew gator, versus just as either glue ons, without gator, or as foundation of the Backcountry Gloves
 
#19 ·
Well, I've been watching videos all morning and reading more and more. It's overwhelming.

Hondo, it seems the Gloves don't have drainage holes for water or sandy grit that can accumulate. Has that been a problem for you? I am intrigued by the newer Gloves and especially the Backcountry. I had to laugh watching the video of applying the boot. When I was using the Renegades, Dutch would let me apply the boot, then tap his toe on the ground once or twice, then he would actually slide his foot into it, toe first and rest his heel where it belonged. Kinda like stepping into our slippers. Lol. Such a good boy. Idk. Maybe I'll end up with the Renegades again. I was just looking for something simpler. I will say that if I decide on the Easyboot anything I will get the fit kit for sure.

Does anyone have any input as for a simple light "slipper" to use in the pasture while I'm messing around with all these measurements and waiting for shipping?
 
#20 ·
Does anyone have any input as for a simple light "slipper" to use in the pasture while I'm messing around with all these measurements and waiting for shipping?
There are no light slippers for a horse with sole issues, lollol

I have both EasyCare Clouds and the EasyCare Rx.

My preference is the Clouds because:

1. The pads that come with the Clouds do not crush down like the pads that come with the "Rx".

2. The Rx are a tighter fit than the Clouds and Joker still flipped one completely backward, doing nothing more than walking around the yard.
 
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#21 ·
Self-trimming: 3 years ago if anyone had suggested that I trim my own horses hooves, I would have looked at him/her wide-eyed. Say what? However, necessity makes us grow. :) If you ever find yourself needing to go down this road, know that, although you have to use your brain, it's not hard and can be done! There are Youtube videos and books, etc. Also, if you do weekly maintenance after a nice trim, it's not hard at all. You're mainly just rasping a small bit each time and following what the trimmer did. Over time you get more confident. Then, you can deal with issues like when they roll a bit chunk off of their hoof and you have to get the knife and rasp and even it up. Anyway, it is something that a mere mortal can do -- especially if done in conjunction with a good trimmer.

Reading all of this good advice is taking me back to when I went through this same process. Oh looking at boots after boots on the web gave me such headaches! What to do? Which one is right? Etc. I ended up with Renegades, because this is the one that the other barefoot-types around here ended up with. (I like them, but I won't pretend that I shopped around and tried others.)

I'm thinking that you may want to try a different brand/model than the Renegades for this round. I also think that you may want to go cheap(er) right now. My guy's feet really did change in size/shape as they went through the process of getting healthy. (And they changed again in weird ways during recovery from a lower limb injury.) I'm thinking that what you end up with right now, may not be what you end up with long-term. Therefore, I'm thinking that you should go less expensive and have fun trying some new model.
 
#28 ·
Can anyone tell me if the Easy Glove has any type of drainage for water and debris? I know I'm driving y'all crazy with this, but I really need to make a decision soon, and I'm stuck on either the Gloves or the Cavalo Simple boot.

But, the only info I can find on the Cavalo's is from endurance riders. Dutch won't be ridden that hard, at least not for another year or more

Oiye! I wish I didn't like him so much and I'd just sell him and be done with it!

Going to try to get some good pics of his feet now. I'll post them when I'm done. Maybe that will help
 
#31 ·
Just to add my 2 cents worth. My horses went barefoot about 2 years ago. Mostly due to a farrier that could not/would not show up for any type of regular appt. We had underrun heels and crazy thrush!

We all ride (4 different horses) in Easy Boot Epics. We ride some steep, rocky trails as well as through water and some mud. A paperclip has been used when riding in brushy or really muddy terrain to keep the clip down. For the most part these have been extremely good boots to ride in for our stock horses and gaited horses.

Late this summer I purchased a new horse and went on a poker run in WI. Very muddy and rocky with deep sand pits. I did not have boots to fit my new horse and borrowed some Cavallos from a friend. They fit my new mare perfectly - However we found them to be clunky and she refused to gait in them.

We had also purchased a foundered mare and she wore Easy Boot Trails in the pasture - with extra pads in - they worked really well -when we started riding her she wore Epics. She is now in front shoes as some therapeutic trimming was done and her feet were sore. Since wearing shoes (8 weeks now) she is no longer her sore and her running walk is great. her shoes will be pulled in Dec and we plan on riding with boots again next year as long as her break over stays good and she develops some toe Callous.

Long story short - we love our Easy Boot Epics and have ridden many many miles in them
 
#32 ·
@Blue There is of course always a little debris in the boot, sub sand sized, but less than the Rengades which are open in the back. In both cases the accumulation was at the toe where the boot did not fit well enough for the toe to be completely against the front.

Some glove users cut a hole in the center of the boot. About 2.5 inches in diameter if I remember. I did a pair that way and they worked fine but the hole tended to get packed in with dirt so they didn't really drain all that well. Plus I can't add disinfectant to them with the hole so I quit doing the hole.

But they worked fine and I believe had better traction with the extra edges presented both uphill and downhill.

If I ever erase all signs of any dirt lines in Hondo's sole, frog, and laminae I may cut holes again as I do cross a lot of water.

I have a system that works very well for cutting the hole if you ever decide to go that route. I think I still have my old ones somewhere.

Just got back from about a 4 mile ride with all three horses barefoot and no one complained except Rimmey about the last 1/2 mile. Dragon was following without a halter and just running around where ever he wanted so he was fine.

I just bought a new pair of 2016 gloves for Hondo's hinds about 2 weeks ago with the new gators. That's how I knew they were not discontinued. I'm subscribed and get a bunch of blogs and articles every month. The new gators look like they are going to hold up much better than the old ones.

In order to get as many miles as possible out of the old gators so I could use the $22 shells I have done a lot of stitching with the hand awl sewing thingie. In fact I've still got my original gators I bought a couple of years ago. But I wanted to try the new gators.

Distance Depot and Valley Vet has the best deal on the gloves but the fit kit has to come from easycare.
 
#33 ·
Carshon, I was only able to find one really good video about the Epics. Most of them were very old. Can you tell me why you prefer the Epics over the others?

Hondo, thanks for that. I can see what you mean about more debris getting trapped in the Renegades because of the open back and that probably won't happen as badly with the Gloves.
 
#34 ·
Hi, im entrigued to see his feet, how/how much they are likely to change. Check out the link in my signature for taking good hoof pics.

I love Glove boots. So easy to put on. But without a fastening system, they must fit pretty well perfectly to stay on. A fit kit is highly advised before choosing the sizes, as its so specific with these boots. Theyre really not built for pads, theyre also for people who can trim very regularly, to keep the boot fitting. As your horses feet are likely to change significantly, whatever glove fits him now will probably not for long. For those reasons i dont think gloves would be a great option. Glove Back Country with the upper, which are very similar to the Trails are an 'easier' fit tho & Trails can be used with pads if needed.

Epics are a great boot still, imo. I think theyre more a 'general purpose' boot, being a hardy trail boot, but being 'low profile' also suitable for wearing in the paddock if needed for rehab. The fastening system means it can get away with being a tad big & still be pretty secure. So pads and distorted feet can better be accommodated.

The new Transitions from Easycare sound like a good option for you. Havent tried them myself.
 
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