Anyone use fly boots? What brand holds up the best?
Trying to keep my TBs front feet in better shape this summer by minimizing the stomping, do they actually help?
Thanks!
Honestly, don’t waste your money on fly boots. They just don’t work.
Last year the donkeys were getting eaten alive so we had to keep their legs vet wrapped. We used Swatt and fly spray on the outside
The owner bought several pairs of fly boots, none of them stayed up for more than a day and we were constantly having to put them back on.
Another vote for Shoo Fly Leggins. They stay on the horse and don’t fall like the typical fly boot. Game changer for my mare.
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I think fly boots are a major PITA. Try Wipe in the green plastic can applied with a microfiber car wash mitt from the dollar store…oil based and lasts all day.
They DO work. I’ve used them for years on my sensitive TB(s). Mine wore them 24/7 - removed every morning and night and a clean set put on.
Kensington is my brand of choice and they last quite a long time. And no they don’t slip if properly applied.
I would NEVER wrap horses legs in vet wrap to stop flies - that’s a disaster waiting to happen.
I have watched horses in the next paddock/field over stomping the hell out of the ground while mine stand quietly with no stomping. Fly boots make a huge difference and no way I would not use them.
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I’m looking at the Shoo Fly Leggings. It is really hard to swallow the price tag for plastic bags but if they work they work!
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Shoo Fly leggings. The absolute best. I’ve tried several different kinds over the years…these are the best, hands down. Easy, no rubs, long-lasting.
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Shoo fly. Hands down. My guy is in them 24/7.
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I am a religious fly boot user and use them all summer (my horse is out 24/7 and in the boots 24/7 in the summer). I have had the best luck with Schneider’s mosquito mesh non-fitted boots, but have recently ordered SmartPak’s similar design to try. I like that the SP version are sold in pairs, so I can get taller ones for the hinds. Once you find a style that you like, I’m sure you’ll see the benefit in using them.
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Obviously you have never tried the Shoo Fly boots. A little pricey but they kept my horses very happy all fly season! They cannot and do not fall down!!!
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Another shoo fly lover
Yet another Shoo Fly Leggins lover!!!
Fly boots have changed my horses’ quality of life for the better!
It is worth noting that not all boots are created equal, though. I thought Kensingtons were the best, and still maintain they work best of all the traditional, close-fitting styles. Then Shoo Fly Leggins came along with a design that is far superior to any of the traditional boots.
I know three people who have tried the shoo fly leggings. They all rave about them. I’m ordering a set for my guy.
The only “problem” I’ve seen with the shoo fly leggings is that if your horse is turned out in a lot of thick deep mud the boots will come off. I’ve also read reviews that they tend to run large. I’m not sure which sizes my barn mates ordered so that may be a factor in the boots coming off in the mud. I’m going to measure my horse’s legs today and try to decide which size to order.
Go for it! I bought a set last year (and had to order from the US, pay exchange, and go pick them up over the border as I’m in Ontario) and they are great.
I have a chestnut TB - 2 summers ago he stomped himself lame from the bugs. I originally picked up a set of Amigo fly boots, which worked fine but they have a strip of hard plastic up the back that helps them stay up. If they weren’t done up tightly enough (velcro), they would slide just enough that he’d step on them. He ended up bending the plastic strip on a couple.
I was also skeptical about the Shoo Fly leggings as it seems strange that a loosely-fitted plastic pipe would do anything, but they work. My guess also is that the legs stay cooler since the boot isn’t right up against the leg.
Well I ordered the shooflys, thanks all!!! I am glad I asked, I wouldn’t have found them just browsing the smartpak catalog.
You won’t be disappointed!
At least they are worth a try.
First time I saw them, the farrier put them on every horse clients would drop in his pens to shoe.
He used to put fly spray, but he had to handle their legs, too much fly spray for him all day.
Those leggings really worked well for him.
Boots? how about the whole fly rig
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