OK…lots of questions re: boots, so I will give you what I’ve learned about the easyboot bares. I use them usually on all 4 hooves. I have ridden thru sand, up/down steep hills, grass, etc. Walked thru mud…no problems. No slipping beyond what we would do barefoot or with shoes. I do not run thru slick mud.
She is a paso fino and gaits well in them. No tripping, etc with any gait…even gallop.
They are hard at first. The trick is to start with a well-trimmed hoof and keep it there. I file her hooves every 2-3 weeks or if the boots seem hard to get on. I first put them on in a “loose” position. Just so they go on easy but are not easily twisting by hand. I ride, ride, ride. I tighten the bugee system one hole at a time…not both side, just one. You don’t need them super tight as even “loose” they stay in place. I was worried at first…but they stay. If there is a gap at the top I use plumbers putty to fill it in and then no debri gets in (I ride in sand/loose gravel at times). I don’t use it on an everyday basis.
The trick to getting them on is to start them over the toe and on the sides and then use a rubber mallet to get the toe further in. I then have her step down and pull the gaiter up. If the gaiter is stuck, I just walk a little. It takes some practice but now is a piece of cake …AS LONG AS SHE IS TRIMMED. Maybe other horses would be fine but the mare tends to flare which makes it harder.
It may sound hard, but it is not. If I get frustrated it is because I need to file.Once on (takes 15 min. for all four) they stay. I ride 4 hours at a good gait. No soreness, etc. Plus I like the cusioning effect as I ride rock hard dirt roads at times. I use comfort pads on front feet.
To me this is easier then hoping a farrier is available when I want to ride and a shoe is coming loose. It was great over the winter when I rode once a month but needed hoof protection.
I know this is long but hopefully helpful.
