Yes -- Another Boot Thread...Chose Easyboot Gloves, Not So Great Update

[jazzrider]

Ok folks, I need some directional help on what type of boots to get for my TWH. Background: When I got my TWH Luke he was so tender footed and had three contracted heels (two back, one front). Thankfully my farrier has done a super job and after this winter he’s doing great and able to go shoeless in the back. For the most part, the trails we ride regularly are not overly rocky. But I’ve found that when we do ride particularly rocky trails we’re going to need something in the back. I don’t want to put shoes back there again (and neither does my farrier) so I’m investigating boots and I’m a bit overwhelmed. I know folks rave about old Macs, and I have heard a lot of people recommend Easyboot gloves. And some comments here made me curious about Renegades and Epics. But to be honest, I’ve never even looked at a boot up close so I’m not sure where to start.

My concern is that the boots be simple and easy for me to get on and off (my hands are messed up, and I hate having to rely on someone else to get them on), not have any metal inside that would damage the hoof (my hubby has an ancient emergency boot with metal ridges inside:eek:), and not impact his wonderful gait. And since I’m guessing I won’t use them too often (once a month?), it would be great if they weren’t overly expensive.

I know there are threads about boots here already (and I’ve read them), but I’m looking for advice on what would work well for an over-reaching, trail riding gaited horse, that would be easy to get on and off, and not need socks/pads/tape etc. that all you endurance folks talk about to keep them on!

So, any advice?

[pines4equines]

I have the easy boot epics and they are a bear to get on and off. I would cross them off the list. They are pretty good otherwise. THey are made for a pretty round foot as well.

[katarine]

this is just a thought, a pondering ;)

All the boots have pretty good grip. The gaited horses I have- the TWH and SSH...both tend to land those hooves then slide them a smidge forward before settling. I wonder about that abruptness of the boot gripping, that foot not getting the slip it's designed to by God ;) and the resulting possible joint soreness/leg soreness. They don't hit the ground in the same way my QHs do.

With that said, my two gaited hosses carry flat front shoes and nothing behind, JJ the QH wears Simple boots by Cavallo (very easy on and off, not the best fit ever but eh, they are ok)- I measured them multiple times but to no avail, I think they are a bit big on him and I DON'T like that they come up onto the hair line=potential sandy/muddy rubs from that, I think), and Jake the QH wears 4 shoes b/c his tiny feet suck.

[AZ Native]

Try these :

http://www.easycareinc.com/our_boots/easyboot_glove/Easyboot_glove.aspx

DH is a trimmer and Easy Care Dealer. These are the ones he recommends the most.Easy for women to get on and off, a definite plus !!

[jazzrider]

Thanks for the input guys. So Kat, are you saying that you don't think boots would be great for my guy? That's my worry. I'm told my guy moves like an "old style" TWH, whatever that may mean. I could throw back shoes on him for the summer if need be...

Any other gaited folks have feedback?

AZ -- Right now I think the Easboot glove is the one I'm most considering trying -- but thought I would check in here before I shell out the bucks.

[katarine]

I really just don't know. I study their footfalls b/c they fascinate me. both land and slide- example my Qh can walk down the paved road to the bottom pasture w/o slipping ...the two walkers? Slip a good bit.

I think if I were you I might ask over here:
http://gaitedhorsesense.com/category-view.asp

That's a pretty busy gaited horse board, might get some interesting input. Were he a Paso, Icelandic, etc, it wouldn't be an issue. But IMO the walkers expect that slipper-foot type landing- and I'm not sure any boot would accomodate that well, does that make sense?

[jazzrider]

Yes, that makes sense. I'll mosey on over there and see what they say. I think I have a logon name there from when I first got Luke...

[SouthernTrailsGA]

We have 9 barefoot Horses.

These are the one we tried:

The Easyboot Epic ---- Hated Them, always getting hung on something and coming off, also oversteppers pull them off too. They were better than than Original Easy Boot.

Old Mac's G2 ----- This new style is very nice, only had them for 6 months, but so far a "Winner" -- PS, Original Old Macs were not great!

Boa Boots ---- If you do not trim the hooves ever 3 weeks or less they are Very difficult to get on, they lasted about a year with hard use and two years with the 2-3 times a month crew

Cavalo Simple Boots ---- Very Easy to get on, held up about a year under hard use and about a year and half under the 2-3 times a month crew.

The New Style Old Mac G2 look to be the most promising of anything we have tried, if the make it to the one year make (which it looks they will) they will in every way I can think of better than any of the others. :)


.

[ponygrl25]

I'm interested to hear about this since I'm looking at putting something on my older TWs hind feet. She has a huge stride and I am afraid she won't keep boots on. I like reg. old shoes for her front feet as she is post-founder and does better with the constant support, however, she is the dominant one in the herd and has been known to kick before. I hate to put her by herself since I have limited T/O and need to rest certain areas so it isn't always a mud pit with no grass. She also does not do a stall except at meal times, so I can't put her up while the other horses are out and switch them for her T/O.
I have been looking into Sole-guard by Equithane. Has anybody used this with any luck in a humid situation? I live in VA and I don't know how well it will hold up during our summer heat/humidity.

[jazzrider]

I had, after I posted this thread, decided to give it a little more time to see if his feet would toughen up a bit (we didn't ride as much as normal this spring because of all the rain). But a ride last week (and yesterday) made me realize that he really just needs something on his back feet for certain trails. Fortunately the farrier came out this week so he just had his back feet trimmed and was ready to measure, and his width and length fell into the range that made him a good candidate for Easyboot Gloves. I ordered them about an hour ago from Valley Vet ($47.95 per boot + free shipping!). They're out of stock right now, so I don't know when they'll get here. But for those of you who are interested I'll let you know how it goes after we try them out. :)

[Daatje]

See, I don't know why many of you had so much trouble with the Easy Boot Epics. Mine are a piece of cake to get on/off and they stay on with no turning or rubbing.

I've tried Old Mac G2's, and didn't like how clunky they were. They also tangled my horse's feathers.

I've tried the Boa's, they rubbed.

I've tried the Cavallos but they didn't fit my horse at all.

The best boot for us is the Easy Boot Epic, size 4 with the size 3 heel strap, teeth covered with the guards. I use the 12mm EVA pads and the combo is just right.

Good luck!

[jazzrider]

They're back ordered...:mad: So it will be a few weeks.

[rmh]

The glove is the best of all of them. I have used it on a Rocky in very rocky places and in knee deep shoe sucking off mud and these boots have done great. The traction on slippery slopes is about the same as other boots I have tried. He hasn't had any slipping issues.

[mzpeepers]

I've ordered the Gloves yesterday from Valley Vet and received the shipping confirmation and tracking information this morning. I've ordered fairly small sizes so perhaps that's why they are in stock?

[jazzrider]

I've ordered the Gloves yesterday from Valley Vet and received the shipping confirmation and tracking information this morning. I've ordered fairly small sizes so perhaps that's why they are in stock?

The first day I got a message they were backordered, and the next day I got a message something shipped. So maybe they aren't? Or maybe the shipping message is for the two free hoofpicks I'm supposed to get! :lol::lol::lol:

rmh -- Great to hear. Did it impact your Rocky's gait at all? I'll be using these on my Walkers back feet (he has shoes on front).

[rmh]

Not that I could tell. I have used some that I believe did. I noticed when I had one break so took the other one off. I noticed a freer movement. Or it could be he was chasing the two horses that went by as we were stopped. :winkgrin:

[jazzrider]

The first day I got a message they were backordered, and the next day I got a message something shipped. So maybe they aren't? Or maybe the shipping message is for the two free hoofpicks I'm supposed to get! :lol::lol::lol:

Ok, that was a joke. But you know what came today? The hoofpicks, in a tiny little padded envelope! :no: :lol::lol:

[GettingBack]

I know I'm late to the party and you already bought - but I'm really loving my renegades. They are easy to put on, and nothing that is hoof-damaging has shown up.

[jazzrider]

Whoo hoo! Just got my Valley Vet "your order has shipped" email. Finally.

mzpeepers - you get yours yet?

[mzpeepers]

Got them last Saturday afternoon! The shipping was QUICK!
They seem to fit, horsie seems to like them. I have a long trail ride planned for this Sunday so I'll put them to the test and will report back.

[gothedistance]

WARNING - One thing you need to watch for in the Gloves is the screw pin in the back that holds the gaiter to the boot. If it comes loose, the boot can get flipped up over the hoof and end up being an "ankle bracelet" - in which case you will need a knife to saw through the rubber gaiter to get the boot off from around the ankle.

[jazzrider]

Thanks GTD, I'm hoping mine come today, and your warning will make sense. Is it prone to coming lose? Or just something you need to check periodically?

mzpeepers -- you'll get to test out yours before I get to test mine (can't ride this weekend :no:, not time). I'm looking forward to your report!

[jazzrider]

Good to know. Were they a good fit for your horse, a little snug, a little loose? I'm sure they're not quite the perfect fit for every horse, it would be interesting to know if that played a part. I always carry a knife and one of those multi-utility tool things -- I'll need to check to be sure that the utility tool will work for the screws.

I'm guessing that you ride a little more seriously than we do. We're trail riders -- ride 2-4 hours one to three times a week. Hopefully that means they'll hold up well for us (if they work out). But I'll be prepared. This is our first try with boots. So it will be a learning experience...

[gothedistance]

Yes, they were an excellent fit. That's what miffed me the most. I think the problem was my guy's strong push-off - it produced too much dynamic force (or whatever) and "forced" the boot off at least once every time I used them. As a result of being "offed" and stepped on, the boot tore (at the slit) which made the excellent fit weaker. I stopped using them on him (went back to using the standard easy boot which actually stay on!) but I didn't have my guy shod in the back when I took my friends up the mountain, so I decided I just wanted to try the Gloves on him one last time.

For the one boot I had to cut off, it turned out to truly be "the last time"! :lol:

I love them for my driving ponies who pretty much mimic what a casual pleasure horse does - easy hacks down the road/trail. I think you'll like them overall.

BTW - Keep in mind that I do my own shoeing, so putting on a set of shoes for any on mine costs me only the price of the shoes -- the time to trim and nail them on is "technically" free, so that also frees me from having to chose boots over shoes, or visa-versa. My guys all wear shoes when they are in constant hard work; but go barefoot when they are off work or only doing minimal work. Thus, the boots are for light recreational use, not competition or training. :) The boots are FAR more expensive than shoes, require effort to put on every time you want to use your animal, plus their breakover is pitiful, but boots will last and last and last.

[Painted Wings]

Well, after reading this I ordered a pair of gloves for my three year old filly that I ride about once a week. Her feet are really sore on gravel but I hate to put shoes on her for as little as I ride her. I want to be able to let her feet grow.

Ordered a pair of power straps too.

Hard to measure her foot as it was pretty broken on the sides. I guess we'll see how they fit.

I also ordered from Valley Vet. Needed some Co-flex bandages too and some Nolvalsan so it was good timing.

[matryoshka]

GTD, one of my clients has had problems with the screw that holds the gaiter pulling through the boot in the Glove. With their horse, it happens on the hinds. Easycare said they had fixed the problem and sent out new boots. Clients are still having a problem with it and suggested Easycare add another screw. This idea was turned down.

She also said Easycare has noted that the Gloves tend to expand a bit when used, so they are now recommending an even tighter fit.

Otherwise, they love the Gloves.

Keep in mind this is all second hand. I'm not a boot dealer. I haven't really found any that I like well enough to want to sell. I do like boots, but I think they need to keep working on the designs.

[gothedistance]

GTD, one of my clients has had problems with the screw that holds the gaiter pulling through the boot in the Glove. With their horse, it happens on the hinds. Easycare said they had fixed the problem and sent out new boots. Clients are still having a problem with it and suggested Easycare add another screw. This idea was turned down.

She also said Easycare has noted that the Gloves tend to expand a bit when used, so they are now recommending an even tighter fit.

Otherwise, they love the Gloves.

Keep in mind this is all second hand. I'm not a boot dealer. I haven't really found any that I like well enough to want to sell. I do like boots, but I think they need to keep working on the designs.
Thanks, m. When I got home from the mountain ride I had the chance to really inspect the destroyed boot, and noticed that it wouldn't take much stress to pull that back screw through the boot. It really needs a washer on both sides, but the short screw construction won't allow it. The plastic was molded with only a tiny "seat" for a washer -- one so small that it could easily pull through.

I like your friend's suggestion of two screws -- that sounds much safer. I may try using a rivet with two thin but wide washers and see how that holds up.

I don't think a tighter fit would work. I tried that with my youngest (14.1h) -- and I really had to fight to seat the boots on. Well, they stretched during the ride and now that stretch is permanent. They did fit two of the other ponies (13.1) before -- but now don't.

:sigh:

I had to get a new set for the other two ponies, and will use the stretched set as a spare as they are now warped at the slit in front.

All said and done -- I'm finding that they work great for some uses, and not for others. I would certainly recommend them to the casual rider, but not to someone doing training or competition.

Oh, before I forget: The soles of the Gloves are also rather soft. If anyone is buying the Glove for a tender barefooted horse, they might want to put a thin shoeing pad inside the boot as extra protection. I've found that a DuraShock pad works great - ponies can't feel the gravel through the padded boot, yet it doesn't raise their foot up in the boot more than a tiny fraction.

[matryoshka]

I suspect that in the effort to make a softer boot that will conform to the hoof, they lost some of the rigidity necessary for hardware attachments. Also, apparently, for sole protection. They sound almost like moccasins. They are lighter, though, which is something that has been needed.

You could try sending the damaged boot(s) to Easy Care and see if they'll send you a replacement.

Don't know what to do about the stretching problem, since you have to get them on the first time. I'm sure they'll work out the kinks--it's like buying a first or second model-year car. They listen to the complaints from users and modify as necessary. The power strap probably helps.

Maybe I'll wait until next year to buy a pair. ;)

I've got other clients who absolutely love their Gloves. They are more pleasure riders than the clients who have had issues. The ones with issues ride hard for hours at a time. And swim their horses.

[Painted Wings]

Ordered EasyBoot Gloves size 0.5 and mine are backordered until August 2nd. My baby is pretty sore barefoot. Will have to wait.

[mzpeepers]

Well....Sunday morning I strapped the Gloves onto horsie and we went for a three hours ride over rocky terrain, up and down steep hills, you name it. The boots are awesome! Horsie didn't show any sign of discomfort whatsoever, the boots fit perfectly, there was no slippage of any kind.
Horsie marched on, swinging back, relaxed and happy the whole way. We alternated walk and some pretty sustained trot throughout the ride and, again, no discomfort and horsie was going perfectly straight, no crookedness at all. Other horsie has been wearing Old Macs G2 and shows some crookedness as well as a bit of discomfort on long rides. I'm ordering the Gloves for him as well today. Definitely a superior boot, at least compared to the Old Macs.:yes:

[jazzrider]

Great to hear mzpeepers! Mine came today :D. I'm hoping to mosey on down to the barn in a little bit to try them on him. I won't be able to take him out on a trail ride until this weekend though. I've got to work the rest of the week. Darn job gets in the way of things. ;)

[jazzrider]

So I tried them on him -- and the left hind boot (#1) fit like a glove. The right hind (#1.5) had just a little more room in it than the other (but the #1 is too small). Is the space something to worry about? He wasn't too sure about them at first, but when we took a walk out on our gravel driveway he settled in and seemed to notice that his back feet weren't ouchy. I'm worried that the gators will rub him (and he's the type of horse who won't let me know), but since no one has mentioned that I'll cross my fingers and check him regularly.

It's very tempting to try to pull them off and on by the gator. I'll have to watch that, I guess.

GTD - there are washers on the inside for the screws. Is that the same as yours?

Looking forward to trying them out this weekend!

[matryoshka]

GTD - there are washers on the inside for the screws. Is that the same as yours?

Looking forward to trying them out this weekend!This must be the "fix" my clients told me about. Let us know how it goes!

[jazzrider]

Here's my belated report out -- Luke absolutely LOVES them. We had one light ride last week, and then a long ride this weekend with some friends that really was a good test.

They were easy to get on, even in the tall grass parking area we were in. I was a little unsure I had them on right, but when he stepped down into it you could see the fit was good. Tightening the gator was hard at the start out point since they're new. I got off after about an hour and tightened them a bit more.

It took Luke about 15 minutes to figure out that he didn't need to try to avoid the rocks, and the second hill to kick it into four wheel drive with power he hasn't shown since he was four shoe shod. By the end of our 3 hour ride he was motering along happily over everything, not a care in the world. Made me feel bad for not getting them sooner (remember we pulled off his back shoes to help resolve contracted heel issues).

I got off twice on the ride to check the fit and for rubbing. No problems with either. The one that was a little bit big seemed to hold the hoof well. I was paranoid about losing them, so hubby rode behind me to keep an eye on things.

I'm happy to report that not only did his gaits remain true but he was way more willing to go, go, go. What I thought was him being a bit out of shape on the hills I now realize was more likely just being ouchy (his heels have healed, but he's still a tender foot, with one foot being particularly flat).

Double checked him the day after to be sure he was raw or tender on his heels. No problems.

I love that they're easy to get on and off, and are so fitted that nothing can get inside. They are lighter than I expected. It will be interesting to see how they hold up over the next year.

That's about it. I'm sold on them, just seeing how much happier Luke is.

[jazzrider]

Well, I got my Easyboot Gloves on 7/22, and Luke has ridden in them once or twice a week since then (so just over two months). We're not hard riders, just walk, flat walk, running walk folks. No cantering or galloping, and the trails we ride are not overly rocky.

Yesterday we got back to the trailer after a two hour ride, and his back right boot had a tear along the front point of his hoof :no:. They fit correctly, we followed the instructions (reread them last night to be sure), and he was not wearing them over shoes. :sigh:

I'm within the 90 day warrantee so I'm calling them tonight, but I'm just so bummed. I really, really liked these boots and how easy they were to get on and off. And Luke liked them.

Now lets see how easy Easyboots' customer service is.

[Nezzy]

i have been using the EDGE boots( plus 12mm insoles) for a few months and have had no problems whatsoever. i love them, they never come off, they don't rub, my horse can do anything he did before, with regular changing of the insoles when they get to squished. Good luck i hope you find something you like.

[Eddy's Mom]

Well, I got my Easyboot Gloves on 7/22, and Luke has ridden in them once or twice a week since then (so just over two months). We're not hard riders, just walk, flat walk, running walk folks. No cantering or galloping, and the trails we ride are not overly rocky.

Yesterday we got back to the trailer after a two hour ride, and his back right boot had a tear along the front point of his hoof :no:. They fit correctly, we followed the instructions (reread them last night to be sure), and he was not wearing them over shoes. :sigh:

I'm within the 90 day warrantee so I'm calling them tonight, but I'm just so bummed. I really, really liked these boots and how easy they were to get on and off. And Luke liked them.

Now lets see how easy Easyboots' customer service is.

He's most likely dragging his toe on that particular leg. The Gloves are lightweight and thin, and unfortunately the older design did not allow for any extra wear and tear on the toe. The good news is that Easycare has since improved the design by adding reinforcement to the toe area of the boot. These reinforced Gloves are shipping out now, the reinforced Glue-ons wont ship out until all the stock has been sent out.

Contact Easycare and they should send you a new pair of reinforced boots. They should last much longer. If it keeps happening, you may want to have your horse evaluated by a vet to see if the toe dragging is secondary to a hock or stifle issue, or if it's just how your horse moves. It could also be wearing out if the horse is interfering with his front feet (forging). I hope you are able to get this resolved! They really are a great boot.

[matryoshka]

The horse I talked about has them on her hinds because she was dragging her toes and wearing them too much. The Gloves have worked well for her.

I'm wondering if individual boots can be defective. Also, I'm wondering if the material is a bit too soft for the job--softness is good to promote fit, but bad when you put it between a hard surface (hoof), and an abrasive surface (the ground).

Keep us posted on how it goes with customer service!

[jazzrider]

I took a closer look at the damage yesterday after really cleaning them up (they have to be cleaned to be returned). The rip is actually about 1/4 inch above the point of the toe, rather than on the bend. :confused:

Eddy's Mom -- I had to order a new one this week because he needs one for this weekend (I'm still going to return the damaged one through their process). I hope it's one of the newer ones with the more reinforced toe! Wish I had checked in here before I did the order. Shoot.

I actually think it may be more an issue of him forging than dragging his toe -- if that's the issue. But I still think it's too soon to see wear and tear from that -- since it's not a huge issue for him.

I'll keep you posted on their customer service. I only found my receipt last night -- so I'm going to call when I get home from work today. I'm not ready to give up on the boot yet -- since we both liked them so much. Hopefully customer service won't change that for me!

[matryoshka]

Ah, forging might explain it.

[Eddy's Mom]

I took a closer look at the damage yesterday after really cleaning them up (they have to be cleaned to be returned). The rip is actually about 1/4 inch above the point of the toe, rather than on the bend. :confused:

Eddy's Mom -- I had to order a new one this week because he needs one for this weekend (I'm still going to return the damaged one through their process). I hope it's one of the newer ones with the more reinforced toe! Wish I had checked in here before I did the order. Shoot.

I actually think it may be more an issue of him forging than dragging his toe -- if that's the issue. But I still think it's too soon to see wear and tear from that -- since it's not a huge issue for him.

I'll keep you posted on their customer service. I only found my receipt last night -- so I'm going to call when I get home from work today. I'm not ready to give up on the boot yet -- since we both liked them so much. Hopefully customer service won't change that for me!

Yup, forging will do it. My girlfriend's gelding went through a toe in about 15 miles a few weeks ago. He forges every step for no known reason. We glue on for endurance rides and by the first vet check he'll have a hole worn in the boot, never comes off though!

The new Glove should be the reinforced toe. I hope that helps you!

[jazzrider]

Well, Easycare's customer service was just super. Really very nice and helpful. The old boot is going in the mail today and they're shipping me a new boot, one with the reinforced toe.

I've also got one coming from Valley Vet (two day delivery) because I need it for this weekend. I forgot to ask them how I could tell if the boot from Valley Vet is the old version, or the new version. Since they had a stock of over 100, I'm guessing it's the old version. :no: But I suppose, if it is from him forging at the running walk, that I'm going to need a back up anyway.

[baylady7]

Jazz
Pls keep us posted on how it is going. My boy is about to "get booted" as he is barefoot now. I have been reading (and reading and reading) the website. I am probably going to order the "fit kit" and I am lucky my trainer is going to help me with the fitting. My farrier does not know much about the boots but is amicable about my using them and measured my guy's feet this morning after his trim.

[jazzrider]

We rode yesterday at Gettysburg through the rocks and mud of Little and Big Round top, and the boots held up fine (I rode with a new one from Valley Vet). We rode with other folks with assorted brands of boots -- I'll have to say I like how simple and small the Gloves are compared to the other boots. I'm really hoping the reinforced toe will solve the issue for us with his back right (forging). We'll probably get the replacement boot from Easycare in a week or two.

I didn't order the fit kit back when I ordered them, only because both feet (I have shoes on the front, boots on the back) were not borderline on their size chart. His back left was clearly a 1, and his back right a 1.5.

We're hoping they'll offer larger sizes eventually, because hubby's horse could use them too.

You can sort of see the boots in this pic, taken yesterday...

[AZ Native]

Also, I'm wondering if the material is a bit too soft for the job--softness is good to promote fit, but bad when you put it between a hard surface (hoof), and an abrasive surface (the ground).

Well possibly, but they held up pretty dang well at Tevis this year :

http://easycarenews.com/08-19-2009/press-releases/hoof-boot-success-at-the-2009-tevis-cup/

We have lots of endurance clients doing 50's and even 100's in them. I will ask DH and see what the most recent feedback about the Gloves is from these clients .
The customer sevice is great and Garrett Ford ( the owner ) is a person of integrity.He is always trying to improve his products and tests them himself on his personal endurance horses. He rides in AZ and CO so the boots are used on abrasive terrain. And he goes fast !

[AZ Native]

Ok, I spoke to DH last night about the Gloves and how his clients like them. He said they would not use anything else, they love them which is pretty much what i already thought as i haven't heard him complaining about them and he spends lots of money every month buying them. But , the horse MUST have the proper trim and fit or there will be problems. And yes , for the OP, you have another issue to address with the forgeing problem.Regardless of what material you have on the hoof, this could cause it to come off.

[AlfalfaGirl]

Terrific Thread! Thanks to all who have shared about the Easy Boot Gloves. My gelding is a shoe puller :cry: I have spend approximately $600 this year on shoes for him :eek: Three weeks ago he pulled his shoe (always the front right one) the day before we left for a trail ride. They had been on for 5 weeks which is almost a record for him. I had to chase down a farrier and haul 80 miles round trip to get him shod. :no:

I told him "these are your last shoes dude." We are going to Easy Boot Gloves - heck, they have to be cheaper than what I am doing now! He has had his current shoes on for 24 days and they seem to be on snug even after trail riding Saturday and Sunday.

[matryoshka]

Alfalfa Girl, I wish you luck. Keep in mind that if your horse is pulling shoes because he grabs them with the toe of his hind foot, he may grab and pull off the boots as well. Your farrier/trimmer needs to make sure his toes are the correct length so the heel lifts early enough that the hind toe won't catch the heel. Some horses are short backed and will do this regardless--then you have to get creative. Also, allowing your horse to go on the forehand will retard breakover, as can poor saddle fit.

Hopefully you will look into the reasons why your horse pulls his shoes. If you already have, then with luck, the boots will work fine.

[matryoshka]

AZ Native, I've heard mixed reviews about the Gloves. Some clients love them, some don't. One client is having trouble with the bolt and washer pulling through the boot, even with the improved, wider washer.

I haven't tried them so I can't say from personal experience. I guess I'm not used to as many boot failures as have been reported--Easycare may have a few kinks to work out of the design yet. My mare is going just fine in plain old Easyboots, and I don't see a reason to switch to Gloves until these need to be replaced.

It sounds like Easycare has been very responsive to rider feedback. The Gloves will only get better.

[AZ Native]

Interesting. I'd for sure keep talking to the reps about the issues. DH just hasn't had any so far, even with a bunch of horses in them. I have a pair and should give them a try myself. I haven't needed them so haven't bothered yet.

[AHorseoffCourse]

Just wanted to put in a shout for renegades. Absolutely LOVE them. Never had the urge to go barefoot, or thought it was feasible until I starting using them. Easy to take on and off, yet I've not lost one.

Doing a 50 in them (first one I've done in renegades) November 7th....

Anyway - just wanted to let anyone else who was reading this thread know about another option.

[jazzrider]

Guess I'll add that I got the replacement boot with the reinforced toe from Easycare. What great customer service! :yes: We keep getting rain on the weekends, so haven't done a lot of riding in it yet. I'll report back over the next few months if there are any issues. The boot I bought from Valley Vet as a quick replacement, without the reinforced toe, stood up fine for our last few rides.

Happy trails!