Today, many barefoot horses will benefit from the use of modern hoof boots, especially through the transitionary phase [after de shoeing] and sometimes beyond.
Modern hoof boots are used to increase weight distribution over a wider area on a hard, flat surface - they provide shock absorption on concussive surfaces and are used by many horse owners just through the transitionary process - e.g. when the horse is de-shod, until he is comfortable and has strong, conditioned feet.
A horse that is booted for one or two hours a day has all the advantages of modern hoof protection when they need it. Even when booted (in correctly-fitting hoof boots), a horse’s hoof function is not effected as it is in metal shoes, so the hoof is still ‘bare’ in essence, as far as the horse’s body and the hoof function is concerned, when wearing hoof boots.
Here are some top tips for hoof boots that you may find the most durable your barefoot horse:
Easycare’s New Mac hoof boots are the latest generation 'Old Mac' hoof boot. The New Mac has a unique, high-tech performance outer-sole, incorporating the unique 'hoof suspension system'. The sole of the hoof boot is constructed from ThermoPlastic Urethane, which absorbs shock and aids recovery from concussion-related injuries, as well as helping to prevent them. This ThermoPlastic Urethane sole helps make the New Macs a very durable option for anyone that is looking for value-for-money hoof boots. The upper roll on the New Mac also now features a double neoprene roll for comfort, while the inner roll is a close weave, to help prevent burrs sticking and embedding into the fabric - what a great idea! The New Macs are recommended for up to 25 miles of riding at a time.
Easycare’s New Trail hoof boot is an update on the original Trail hoof boot. According to the manufacturers, the upper of the hoof boot had been made more durable with the addition of a wrap-around shield. This front shield has been painted from the reverse, so the boot’s protective covering will not scratch off or lose its colour. The rivets have been made bigger and the upper rim of the boot has been made with neoprene, to make it more comfortable. Like the New Mac, the New Trail now boasts two rolls of cushioning at the top, instead of the single leather roll of the classic Trail hoof boot. It has an internal tubular webbing pastern strap, a wrap-style frontage, Velcro style closure and a removable Velcro security strap. All of these improvements help to make the New Trail a very durable boot. The New Trail hoof boots are recommended for up to 25 miles of riding at a time.
Easycare’s Transition hoof boot uses a similar sole production process to human running shoes. It offers a very good combination of shock absorption and support. The sole of the Transition uses three layers of material to produce a resilient shock absorbing sole that gives support and stimulation to the hoof structures, and helps prevent wear when used regularly. Reversible, industrial strength Velcro straps at the front and back secure the boot, allowing for precise fit adjustments. At the boot’s core, a polyurethane ‘bumper’ offers pliability and resilience. These high-tech aspects make the Transition a very durable hoof boot. The Transition is recommended for up to 25 miles of riding at a time.
A hoof boot size chart is located in the Advice tab on our website - Visit the page
