Bell boots coming off without tearing??

[tpup]

My horse has been in the pull on bell boots since March. He does not get rubs. (The black ribbed kind from Dover). A month ago, he came in from turnout with a missing boot. I assumed it ripped, was somewhere in his field and put a new one on. IMO, that meant the boots are working!

Last night, my horse was playing with his new buddy in their pasture (new barn, only out with one buddy). He came in with missing bell boots. I went out to his field and found both boots, in tact and undamaged! They seem sized correctly, and were still quite hard to get on when I put them back on.

I assumed bell boots would rip or tear if they are stepped on. Has anyone had this happen before? If they are not tearing, I am worried about the causing injury or pulling the shoe off if they are being "pulled" off while he is running.....or is this how they are supposed to work and come off?? Thanks!

[Puddin Pie]

Houdini horse strikes again! Happens all the time. Only an equine camera would give us the details, but they quite easily stepped on the edge of the boot, and POP , off it comes. Would that they came off that easily when you want them to!

[Seven-up]

I've seen my horse do this. What she does is step on her own foot, (heel steps on the front of the other foot) and slide the foot right out of the boot while still stepping on it. So far, she hasn't figured out how to do this on purpose. Yet.

Her boots are just a hair too big for her, so I think that's why they come off so easy. The next size down is too small, so I'm stuck making that occasional trek out into the pasture to hunt down a missing boot.

[tpup]

Thanks - I guess what amazes me is he did both in one night!! :D

[magnolia73]

Niki does that all the time. It's like magic I guess.