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 boots that you may find good value for your barefoot horse:
This hoof boot is very simple to put on and off and the manufacturers rightly claim that the Cavallo Trek absorbs shock and concussion over a variety of terrains. This is an extremely lightweight hoof boot for barefoot horses, and is available for both left and right hooves, to make it comfy and well-fitting. It has a replaceable Velcro closure system. The Trek’s two sister products, the Simple hoof boot and the Sport hoof boot, are also popular and represent good value as entry-level hoof boots - many people consider these models if they want a simple, basic product that won’t break the bank! All of Cavallo’s hoof boots have easy Velcro fastening systems, and a nicely padded cuff for comfort.
Equine Fusion Ultimate Jogging Shoes
The Equine Fusion Ultimate Jogging Shoes have an updated fastening system that makes these hoof boots ideal for barefoot horse owners that are new to hoof boots, or have a barefoot horse or pony that is slightly tricky to fit, due to the boots’ forgiving nature. They are very easy to put on and have an unusually generous amount of ‘give’, which is ideal for owners with cold fingers or mobility issues! The Ultimate Equine Fusion Jogging Shoes are sold in singles, so you can match the size you need to each individual hoof. They are well made, and while at the lower end of the cost-spectrum, do represent very good value for money, as they do last well, and are a very robust hoof boot.
Easycare’s Back Country hoof boot is made in three parts which can all be replaced individually if required, making the Back Country hoof boot great value, as you potentially never need replace the whole boot. The foot part is a glove shell which gives form fitting benefits, a quick breakover and good traction. The upper consists of two pieces, the neoprene heel cup which is very soft and protects the heels from any rubbing, and the front Cordura covered neoprene portion that wraps around the top of the hoof. The end result is a very sleek boot that is in a similar price bracket to the Equine Fusion Ultimate Jogging Shoes.
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