TCJp27 Equipment update: Hoof Boots

HOOF BOOTS:
...a very handy addition to the tackroom.

Henry quite regularly throws a shoe, it's got Steve stumped because he shoes Tom exactly the same way, and to my recollection Tom has only ever lost one twice.  But Henry 'flings' himself about, often spinning completely around on his back legs, so suspect this is how he does it!  

Because Trakehners have shallow feet, being shoeless is not suitable for our gravely ground here in WW, otherwise Tom & Henry would definitely go barefoot.

So, Henry limps about on a sore foot once his shoe is gone, which naturally I cannot bear.

Twas then, I read an article in a Horse magazine about a long distance rider who's Arab goes barefoot, and successfully uses Hoof Boots.  Ahhh thinks I.  Hoof Boots might be the answer.

I went straight to the saddlery with the feet dimensions John had measured for me and bought the one Hoof Boot they had in stock in Henry's size.  It worked well, but has already started coming apart.  Washing the boots has made the Velcro split apart, so it now cant be secure.

So, I went into major research mode:  to find the perfect boots, and as John mentioned, get ones also suitable to fit with a poultice for emergencies as well (John is very sensible, because gaffa tape works well to keep poultices in place, but it wears out).

Here's what I discovered, just in case you find yourself needing these in your inventory (I recommend that you do, you never know, and these things are designed for riding in so they are very tough):

Firstly, measure the foot, the full length including the bulbs or 'butresses' of the foot and the width at the widest part.

Then check the individual product sizes, there are many, once you've decided on the brand you want.. Remember some you'll want with 'ankle' pastern length part so they can go out in the mud, and be protected.

Top Tip: Wrap the clean hoof in clingfilm first, in case the boot doesn't fit, you can return it clean.  This was my favourite boot above for Tom & Henry, the 'EasyBoot'.

Well made and goes on and comes off easily too, which is important if your horse is fidgety.

Here's how you measure up:

And for use with the poultices: the 'Carvello Boot'

Harder to get on and off, but has room for the bandage or poultice inside.  Fit with the fittings outside so you don't have to climb underneath your horse to do them up!

Here's how you measure up for the Carvello:

Tom & Henry 'plonked' around the yard first of all, and don't expect your horse to do any lightweight tricky movements in them, they are plonky, wide and heavy.  BUT for emergencies, they are brilliant.

Taking them off is easy, just pull them off from the back in the same motion your farrier uses to get shoes off.

I will get a lot of use out of these, especially with Henry.