Old Macs vs. Easy Boots

Ok, I want to start doing some trail riding (nothing too hard, the boys are old after all) but all of the trails around here are pretty steep and rocky.

My question: Justin is barefoot, but is a bit sensitive if he has to go over lots of uneven/jutting rocks. What horse boot would be good to use? I don't mind spending the money if they work and don't rub him. Traction and fit are very important.

ETA: I've read the reviews on horsetackreview.com - - just wanted other people's opinions :) - thanks!

OK. Here is what I found out... :) I talked to friend of mine who went through all possible boots to find the one he likes and he invited me and shown me lots of different ones (how to put them on horse and what are the advantages/disadvantages). I've never seen most boots before, so it was interesting to see.

What I found out is Old Macs are INCREDIBLY bulky and hard to put on (meaning takes lots of time). The look and process in reality is very different from what is written on old mac's site. Lol! Also if you still decide to go with Old Macs generation II is much better than old one.

Easyboot came up with the nice product called Bare (last year I believe). It's better than Epic, because doesn't have that wire string (which can go loose, and also can break). Like Epic it also has gators going around the pastern, so the boot stays on.

So to the end point I got Bares for my qh couple months back and so far been pretty happy with them (the only thing it's much easier to put them on different way than Easyboot clip shows :) ). So I 100% vote for easyboot vs old macs.

Kitten_val, does your horse do ok with the traction given from the bares?

The boot itself goes below the hairline. If you are talking about the gator (it goes from behind and wraps around the leg) I don't tie it VERY tight around the pastern. So far (knock on wood!) I havn't seen any problems (I put it on in all parks). Friend of mine (who actually showed me the boots) used epic on his horse and bare on wife's horse in rocky mountains for week straight (they don't ride without boots at all either), and he said never had an issue.

I actually used the cheapest easyboot (whatever it is without the gators and with the wire) while back on my paint when she had abscess (she had it 24/7 on for several days), and she didn't have issues either.

Hmm... I think those might be the way to go...lots cheaper than the old macs, too!

The Easyboot Grips are for extreme terrain situations, like sloppy mud or ice and would be like having caulks added to steel shoes. Too good of traction for everyday riding and hard on your horses legs.

The Bares get wonderful traction on their own, so I'd suggest them, or even the regular Epics work fine. Have some barrel racers that have competed in them while their horse was transitioning out of metal shoes, and that calls for serious traction! I personally don' t like the Bare's adjustment system, but I do like the tread. The Epics have a better adjustment/fitting system, IMO. You can custom order them or swap out the adjustment system if you go directly to Easycare site.

The Old Macs arent' too popular with any of my clients..bulk and tend to sag after a while was the comlaint.

Thanks a lot barefoothooves, that makes sense about the traction thing. I'll look into the custom easy boots - thanks for the suggestion.

I had thought the old macs looked a bit clunky...

That's where I got mine from (the cheapest I could find):

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.h...9-79f69df07918

Just a point on fitting. Yes, Epics are easier to fit. However I was lucky enough the Bares I got fit my horse nicely, so I shouldn't even change the fit as it came.

Thanks kitten_val, i'll probably order some from there :)