Another barefoot/hoofboot question.

[Mukluk]

1. At what point in trim cycle do you measure hoof for boot?

2. Assuming “average” hoof growth how often do hooves need to be trimmed to maintain fit of hoof boot? (assuming you are NOT doing any rasping between trims)?

3. If you do rasp between trims how often do you do so and how much do you feel this extends time between trims?

4. For what it’s worth I will be using Renegades. I ordered some and have not yet tried them on my horse- but I took my measurements several weeks post having a trim so I wonder if they may be too large. May need to exchange for a smaller size.

Thanks in advance everyone.

[GreyDes]

They recommend measuring after a fresh trim, but like you I’ve done it partway through and it’s been fine.

Renegades should fit on the loose side. My horses are on eight week trim cycles. I did have to size one horse up on his boots because he grows a lot of toe and a “true” fit only worked for the first 3-4 weeks.

[Kyrabee]

Don’t forget, the Renegades can be adjusted. If the measurements aren’t at the max or min, you have some wiggle room.

I do sometimes do a little touch up with the rasp at 4 weeks. My mare toes out and she gets a bit ‘pointy’ on the medial toe. I just smooth that out a bit. My mare is on a 5-6 week cycle.

Susan

[gothedistance]

1. At what point in trim cycle do you measure hoof for boot?

Best to do it:
A. If you are transitioning from shoes to boots, then wait until one week after your farrier has trimmed the hoof FOR PUTTING ON A SHOE. This allows the foot to grow out a bit to be at the stage that would be normal for booting full time.
B. If you are only booting temporarily between shoeing, then measure right after the trim.
C. If he is trimming for barefoot (leaving a fractional touch of hoof wall), measure the foot at that stage.

2. Assuming “average” hoof growth how often do hooves need to be trimmed to maintain fit of hoof boot? (assuming you are NOT doing any rasping between trims)?

3 weeks. Which means it’s kinda stupid to bring out your farrier to touch up a trim so often. Hence, the need to get your own rasp to file down the growth a bit.

3. If you do rasp between trims how often do you do so and how much do you feel this extends time between trims?

Every 2 weeks, depending upon how fast the hoof grows. If you ride often, you’ll find yourself evaluating the hoof wall growth everytime you boot. At that point, you can determine how often you should grab the rasp to run it across the foot. Slight touch-ups are perfect - like combing your hair. You do it often enough, and don’t wait, and you find the hoof/boot stay in sync without much effort on your part at all.

4. For what it’s worth I will be using Renegades. I ordered some and have not yet tried them on my horse- but I took my measurements several weeks post having a trim so I wonder if they may be too large. May need to exchange for a smaller size.

Make sure your farrier does a light mustang roll (small bevel) along the entire edge of the hoof, from toe back to heel. Renegades are made with that beveled area inside the boot, and the hoof will seat itself so much better. The website even tells you that, and (take my word for it) it is important.

The Renegade should easily slip on and fit the bottom of the hoof - you’ll be quick to see if it does or doesn’t. The heel captivator shouldn’t be tight against the heel, just touching, because it moves. The boot’s top velco connection should be barely snug, weighing in on the “slightly loose” side; the front velcro should be lightly snug and should fit under the rubber bands.

Thanks in advance everyone.

[gothedistance]

…I took my measurements several weeks post having a trim so I wonder if they may be too large…

Maybe not if it wasn’t more than 3 weeks. If you waited 5 weeks, then yeah, they might not fit as well.

[Mukluk]

Thanks everyone. Greatly appreciated!!!