35 replies to this topic

[mgranch]

My Rocket has a very tender front hoof and after lengthy vet check including Xrays no reason was found. So, does anyone have advise on front boots that really stay on and provide protection of hoof sole?? They are so expensive I don't want to invest unless I know they are good ones!! Thanks!!

[Minxiesmom]

There has been talk here, on and off about boots. Someone one brought up that the "Build-a-Bear" tennis shoes worked. Since then, I have talked to a couple of people that have tried them with good results. I just bought two pair, but haven't tried them yet. They cost $9 per pair. The high top tennis shoes don't fit. They must be the regular low ones.

[susanne]

My gelding, Mingus, has tender soles. I plan on getting boots eventually, but we've taken a couple of preliminary steps.

First, we now leave his hooves a bit longer. Not much, but even a little bit helps.

Second, when we put down gravel as mud prevention, we included the area surrounding their water troughs with the idea of toughening up his soles. As it turns out, our horses LOVE the gravel, so we'll soon see if it helps with his tender feet.

I know the Build-A-Bear shoes work for nursing home visits and the like...do they really hold up to driving, especially over gravel? I would be afraid they'd break down or not provide enough support.

[Littlegoesalongway]

I talked to the people at Easyboot (they no longer make anything mini-sized) and they suggested I try Hoofwings .
Haven't ordered or tried any yet

[Sue_C.]

I use the bear-boots, but the only ones I really like are the canvas hi-tops. They are soft enough to mold well to the pastern and hoof, and don't rub like the heavier plastic ones will.

[susanne]

Sue, those almost look like high-heeled sneakers. TOO CUTE!!

[Sue_C.]

Sue, those almost look like high-heeled sneakers. TOO CUTE!!

I live on a gravel road, the very worst thing to drive on, and what a difference it makes to have her hooves protected. She will just give all she has when I ask for an extended trot when wearing these, yet barefoot on that same stretch, she picks her way so carefully it makes me wince. She loves her booties.

[KellyAlaska]

Hi,
I have never used either of these products so I can't give a personal recommendation but the SuperFast shoe looks pretty cool. Also Chimicum Tack just started to offer a new driving boot that you might want to check out.

This is a YouTube video of a SuperFast shoe.
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=Rhq8b9WEvkA

The Chimacum Tack link is
http://www.comfyfith....com/index.html
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page it is the last item on the right called Pony and Mini Comfy Fit leather road boot.

[Sue_C.]

I have both the super-fast, and the Comfy-boots as well, but I still prefer the bear-boots. The super fast is great if it is dry...but we had a terribly wet year, and my farrier didn't think they adhered very well because of the constant dampness and mud. As for the comfy-boots, I do like them a lot, except for the placement of the large buckle right at the softest part of the heel. I am afraid of bruising...and have contacted them about it, and was told they were working on a re-design to put the buckle on top...but the boots pictured are still the same as mine.

[KellyAlaska]

I have both the super-fast, and the Comfy-boots as well, but I still prefer the bear-boots. The super fast is great if it is dry...but we had a terribly wet year, and my farrier didn't think they adhered very well because of the constant dampness and mud. As for the comfy-boots, I do like them a lot, except for the placement of the large buckle right at the softest part of the heel. I am afraid of bruising...and have contacted them about it, and was told they were working on a re-design to put the buckle on top...but the boots pictured are still the same as mine.

Wow thank you for your post. I live on a gravel road as well so I was thinking about picking up a pair of boots just in case I need them for this summer. It is hard to believe those little toy bear boots can hold up to an extended trot on gravel. LOL What size are your horses feet? I have a 36" Shetland and I am not sure if his feet would fit the bear boots. They are so cute and if you have tried all the expensive stuff and the bear boots work the best at $7.50 a set you can't go wrong!