Posted by Patty Stiller on February 11, 2004 at 12:19:01:
In Reply to: Re: I'm so confused and need advice. EZ Boots? posted by Phil Armitage on February 11, 2004 at 08:02:29:
: : I am always at a loss as to know what to do. I live in a very rural area, and none of the farriers I've found has been to farrier school, but has learned it *from their fathers who did it before them.* I'm not saying anything is wrong with this, as experience can mean a lot.
: : However, I'm finding that when I ask my farriers questions, I'm not getting any definitive answers. I've only been a horse owner for three years, and so far haven't had any problems. But I want to stay educated enough so I'm not the "cause" of problems.
: : I don't shoe any of my three riding horses. One farrier tells me I should shoe them all if I ride them, and another tells me it's not important.
: : When I ride them, it's just trail riding. All the trails are usually dirt or grass-covered, but occasionally portions of them will be covered with rock about the size of my fist. I don't want to hurt my horses' feet. I've noticed that two of my horses seem a bit ouchy on the rock, but we could go a month without hitting a trail with rock on it. Should I be shoeing these horses? If they walk on rock for about 15 minutes once a month, is that often enough to justify shoeing?
: : My horses all have healthy feet with no cracks in the hoofs and the farriers tell me they look good. When they are at home, they are on grass pasture.
: : Should I perhaps consider EZ Boots as an alternative to shoeing, and just put them on when I know I'm going on a trail that has a portion of rock on it?
: I totaly understand your confusion and frustration and respect how much you care enough to learn all you can to do the right things with your horse, I wish many more people would take it this serious. I am a farrier, but first and foremoste I am a horse owner and rider for over 20 years, don't have much time to ride now that I am a farrier, but I use to ride all the time, primarily trails, endurance rides. I have always believed that a trail horse, no matter how often they go out should be shod front and hind for protection, support and traction. If you do not have proper protection, support and traction I believe you are increasing the odds of injury to you and your horse. Easy boots are a good temporary way to protect the foot and have along if your horse pulls a shoe while you are out riding, however I would not use them all the time, and take them off as soon as you get back to the barn, feet can swet and get soft if left on to long. I do not believe they offer as good protection, support and traction as shoes. If your horse is ouchy on the rocks, then that is telling you something, why let them be ouchy when all you have to do is shoe them to make them comfortable. The key is finding a good farrier that you trust. If you do not trust your current farrier then ask other people and Vets for recommendations. A properly shod horse is a happy horse, as the old saying goes "No Foot No Horse".
: Phil
There are other brands of hoof boots that are better for riding. Some fit a better and none otherpther brands have that easyboot type 'clamp and cable' system.,Many folks including myself have found that clamping system ,including the ribbed strap in the heel can cause seroius rubbing in the heels ,damage and bruising to the hoofwall.
For an overview on all the available hoofboots in one place go to tribeequus.com. It is a barefoot hoofcare site. Though I do not totally agree with their hoof trimming principles, they do have a really good review of all the available boots.
Patty