Posted 2008-09-02 10:33 AM (#90819) Subject: horse boots??
Member
Posts: 23
Location: MN
Hello- We are planning a trip next year to Fort Robinson Nebraska and also to Custer Park. Our horses are rode barefoot but we are thinking of getting some sort of boot for their front feet to protect them from the rocks etc. instead of getting them shod. What are the best recommended? We have looked at Old Mac's, Easyboots, and Cavallo in catalogs but aren't sure which to get. Also will they rub the hairline above the hoofline and make it sore? Any advice will sure be appreciated! thanks!
Posted 2008-09-02 12:33 PM (#90827 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Veteran
Posts: 148 Location: South of Dallas
I just got G2 Old Macs for my TB. I haven't taken him on a long ride, but they look like they will do fine. However, I haven't ridden him in mud or water, so I'm wondering what will really happen. It looks like there shouldn't be a problem if you be sure to use the gaiters with them. I picked this brand because it looked like they fit better on him and were going to be less likely to shift and rub. I was told to be sure to drill a few more little "drain" holes in the sole if I was going to be in the water a lot.
Posted 2008-09-02 6:42 PM (#90843 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434 Location: Brooksville, Fl
There was a thread on this not too long ago, you may want to search it.
I have been using Easy Boot Epics with great success on distance rides. Consider the fact that these boots were designed for horses who go 100 miles within 24 hours....I have a friend who trail rides in her Old Macs through water, mud, etc with no issues. The boot you eventually choose may have a lot to do with the shape of your horse's foot and how good a heel he has. Check out Easy Care's website for more info. You can also call them and speak with someone who is very knowledgable about the products and how they fit on different shapes of hoof.
Good luck! It sure is cheaper in the long run than steel shoes.
Posted 2008-09-02 7:10 PM (#90849 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I've used the Easyboot Epics and Bares. The EPICs can be tightened down better with the buckle. But I've broken every buckle that I've had. But I ride some really rough trails. The BARES work better for me. The Bares are a little harder to put on, But after you've done it a couple of times, it's no big deal. I put the boot on as far as I can get it, put the foot down and pick up the other foot and put the boot on it as best as I can. Maybe even make the horse move a step or two, This usually finishes sitteng the foot into the boot. Then pick the foot back up and straighten the gaiter and fasten.
If the trails are really rocky and you plan to ride multiple days. Get boots for all 4 feet.
Posted 2008-09-02 9:00 PM (#90860 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Veteran
Posts: 187 Location: KS
When I was in South Dakota in June, there was a lady using renegade hoof boots. She said she had been using them for quite awhile and they never rubbed her horse and they didn't require gaitors. I also watched her put them on and was amazed at how easy they went on. If I ever decide to use boots, they are the one's that I would use.
Posted 2008-09-02 9:22 PM (#90862 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Veteran
Posts: 141 Location: Helena, Ohio
I have both the easyboot epics and the renegades. I gotta say I prefer the renegades! They are so easy to put on and take off!! I haven't had any problems with them rubbing or coming off. The seem to fit better and I LOVE the colors!!
Posted 2008-09-03 7:07 AM (#90875 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317 Location: Barnesville, Ga.
I also vote for Renegades!! We purchased a pair in the spring for my daughter's gelding and so far they have worked great. We have ridden in them for several hours on rocky terrain and thru creeks. They do not hold water and drain right out the back of the boot; sometimes there may be a little sand in the bottom of them from the creek, but nothing major. No rubbing; easy to put on and off; and she got to pick the color she wanted. I have used Easy Boots in the past and these are the best by far.
Posted 2008-09-03 8:24 AM (#90884 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Elite Veteran
Posts: 662 Location: Vanzant, Missouri
I have used the boa boots on my TWH and they rubbed him right at the hair line and left a bruise.Plus they aren't good for water crossing as they hold sand and pebbles. I like the renegades the best....
Posted 2008-09-03 11:19 AM (#90892 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Member
Posts: 23
Location: MN
Thanks for all the response!! I'm kinda leaning toward the Old Mac 2's(not sure yet) but would really like to check out the renagades. Where can they be purchased? They aren't in any catalogs that I have.
Posted 2008-09-03 2:54 PM (#90908 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I've got the Old Mac originals for my horses. We are in the desert and haven't had any rubbing or a buildup of sand in the boots. I also ride through every mud puddle I can find when it rains (horses have to remember how to cross water some how!)and haven't had mud/water problems in the boots. I had a horse with very round front feet and these were the only boots that said they would fit round feet. I've also got a gelding with a clubbed foot (no toe and lots of heel) and they fit him fine.
Posted 2008-09-12 10:30 PM (#91418 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
I just bought a set of renagade hoof boots- bright orange (of course) they came today but I didn't get a chance to try them.. will tomorrow. wait time wasn't long- maybe 2 weeks from when I ordered them. they seem to be very well made- can't wait to use them!
Posted 2008-09-14 11:44 PM (#91495 - in reply to #91418) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: washington
I ride endurance and wanted try the Renegades, but didn't know that your horse must be barefoot to use Renegade boots. My horse is shod and I wanted boots for a rocky ride, so I got easyboots. I ended up padding him instead for that ride, and it worked out great. And from what I have heard, easyboots are not that easy to put on and keep on.
Posted 2008-09-15 8:08 AM (#91502 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Veteran
Posts: 141 Location: Helena, Ohio
Yes, you do need to be barefoot for the renegades. As for the easyboots, it is a learning curve to get them on the first few times, but then they stretch out and you learn the best way to put them on and pretty soon you are wondering what the heck your problem was in the beginning!!! I use both boots and I do prefer the renegades, but I still use the easyboots on certain horses. It all depends on the horse!! Oh, and I haven't lost a boot... ever. Now that I said that, I will loose one on the next ride! But I have been in some of the muddiest conditions you can imagine and they have all stayed on with out issue.
Posted 2008-09-15 5:12 PM (#91529 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 376 Location: Missouri
No, the horse doesn't have to be barefoot to wear boots, but the boots must be larger. If the shoes are properly fit, they fit right into a boot.. We've done that dozens of times.
Posted 2008-09-15 8:29 PM (#91538 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Regular
Posts: 58 Location: Foley, MO
Tried the Easyboot as a spare tire...shed it pretty quickly...borrowed an Easyboot Epic and it stayed on better, but I would not try to use them without inserting a pin in the buckle, otherwise, say goodbye to them in mud or rough terrain. And for gaited horses...forget using them. The overreach of the hind feet will snatch them right off. Don't let the manufacturer try to tell you different.
Posted 2008-09-15 8:56 PM (#91539 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Veteran
Posts: 141 Location: Helena, Ohio
I ride 2 Kentucky Mountain Horses, 1 Rocky Mountain and 1 Spotted Mountain Horse with Easyboot Epics and Renegades. I have gone through some of the worst mud and sloppy conditions and not lost a boot. They can gait just fine with them also. Actually, 2 of mine gait better with them on as they aren't worried about the rocks.
Posted 2008-09-17 2:16 AM (#91625 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I had never heard of the renegades until this thread.. I looked them up and think they're awsome!! i ride barefoot myself.. even over (some) rocky, hilly terrain, but infrequently..If I ever get the opportunity to ride rough ground with any regularity, I'm going to try the renegades.. My mare's front hooves are average sized, but somewhat square, with a slight groove running down the center of both.. My farrier says that this is a unique trait to her and is probably on her coffin bone also.. Those of you who use renegades.. Ever had any trouble fitting odd-shaped hooves?
Posted 2008-09-30 3:44 PM (#92365 - in reply to #90819) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Regular
Posts: 84 Location: Crestwood, KY
It really depends on your horse's hoof shape. Easy boot epics are my favorites, but my horse who needs boots has wider than long hooves, and Original Old Macs are the only ones that fit her hoof shape (most are longer than wide), so those are what she has.
Posted 2008-10-01 10:42 PM (#92434 - in reply to #91538) Subject: RE: horse boots??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: washington
I rode a 25 milendurance ride last week using the easyboots on the fronts (over shoes on very rocky terrain) and they worked great. I lost one the last 200 yards, but of course was able to retrieve it quickly. My friend rides a very big Missouri Fox Trotter with a huge stride, whatever stride he is doing, and she rides with easy boot epics on all four feet at every ride. She seldom loses a boot. She wraps his hoof with a little vetwrap to ensure a tight fit. I used a size 1 boot and put a size 0 cable on it and that was how I got a nice tight fit for my horse. Many endurance riders there used the Renegades which were very cool and came in some great colors too! I did not hear of one Renegade getting lost... only the easyboots turned up missing.
horse boots??
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