Hoof boot help - update post 104, Scoots and Equine Fusion

[fivestrideline]

Thanks to all the input here I think I have settled on Cavallos. I’ll get measurements once my horse is home (fresh trim) and order a set!

I believe the Scoot Boots will be my “next” pair, if we stay the barefoot-and-boots course. I’m hoping this horse can at least be a moderate trail partner, and we are in a rocky area.

As far as break in and stuff goes: this horse is a thin skinned TB, and I expect rubs from pretty much anything. Should I invest in some pastern socks, vetrap, or anything? I won’t start off with anything but the boots, but I’m planning a consistent schedule for this horse so I’d rather be prepared.

[rulex]

@fivestrideline

As far as break in and stuff goes: this horse is a thin skinned TB, and I expect rubs from pretty much anything. Should I invest in some pastern socks, vetrap, or anything?

Yes. Both my barn mates who use Cavallos have struggled with rubs and the pastern socks helped.

Rubs are the reason I haven’t bothered to try them even though they are more affordable than some of the other options out there.

[Weezer]

I agree that pastern socks are a good idea. It seems that Cavallos are quite prone to rubbing. You might be able to beat that if you can have a boot fitter come out. If you call Cavallos, they may be able to recommend someone in your area.

[cayuse]

Pastern socks are probably a good idea if your horse is sensitive. I have used the cavallos on three different ponies, one had slight rubs until the boots broke in and the other two had no rubs at all.

[stb]

I have not had rubbing issues with Cavallos but I did break them in as recommended on the Cavallo website.

[OzarksRider]

@fivestrideline

Should I invest in some pastern socks, vetrap, or anything?

I used duct tape on places where my Cavallo boots rubbed. This only happened when the boots were getting old and the top started to crack around the rim. Once the duct tape is attached it will stay put a long time, and you don’t have to fuss with pastern wraps.

[RedHorses]

Pastern wraps - the neoprene has some cushioning effect and don’t pick up passengers (burs, seed pods, etc) the way the knit socks do.

@RMJacobs Boa boots. Easy Care bought them and discontinued them years ago.

[RMJacobs]

That’s right, Boa boots! It was driving me nuts that I couldn’t come up with the name. They really did suck.

Rebecca

[RedHorses]

Boa boots were easier to use than the original Easy Boots. I used them for several years before Cavallos came out. They worked well for my horse, though he did lose one a few times at speed when they were wet.

My biggest annoyance was that if any sand or grit got into the cable channel, the cable wore through in no time and it was almost impossible to get the grit out of the channel.

Those were clunky boots, and the tread was clearly not designed for any kind of wet footing. They just loaded up with mud.

I went with Cavallo Simple Boots twice after that, then Treks. I do have Scoot boots, but I still find Treks easier most of the time.

[fivestrideline]

Well, I found a pair of EasyBoot Sneakers I had lost in a tack trunk. I’m still planning on ordering Cavallos, but due to moving barns my horse’s feet are out of whack again Maybe these will fit him in the meantime.

I bought a new rasp and loop knife to roll his toes and loosen up the chalky stuff that wants to shed with just a hoof pick. He’s also a little chippy, mostly up front where he likes to flare.

I just love worrying about hooves!

[fivestrideline]

Well, life happened so I’ve JUST gotten around to measuring his feet. The Sneakers have served us okay in the meantime, but they’re not the right shape for his pasterns so they’re not useful for anything more than short walks.

He’s between sizes in Cavallos - length is a 1 and width is a 3, so I don’t think those will work at this juncture. I haven’t yet dug around for the EasyBoot Treks or anything else because Scoots measure perfectly for him. I’m not including heel bulbs, just buttresses and following the instructions.

On that note, I can’t find a size chart for the Scoot Enduros - does anyone have experience with these? I’m still in the research phase (I need to wait for a fresh trim to get pics to send to the manufacturers for sizing), but the site says they’re more forgiving on underslung heels. This horse heads that way, so I thought they might be a good option.

Horse is definitely ouchy on the harder/rockier spots, but shoes aren’t a great fit for us at this time, so I’m really digging into the boot idea.

[fivestrideline]

FWIW here are some pics of his hoof shape after the last trim (first time with new farrier). I do realize I’m missing angles and they aren’t perfect (children running around and large equipment going will do that) but I’m hoping maybe they give an idea.

RF

LF

RH

LH

[Pippigirl]

Are you familiar with Stacy Pratt from Heartland Scoot Boots? She’s a great resource for information. She’s a full time professional Scoot Boot fitter who could be a great help to you.

[Pico_Banana]

After replying on this thread (and going through a couple cycles of multiple lost shoes), I looked at Scoots again and saw the Enduros.

Well, I ordered them and am in the middle of fitting with their team. They definitely took a lot of adjustment, but I guess that is kinda the point. I had to lengthen the pastern strap, switch from the medium mud straps to the XL, and add the heel extender. Even so, Scoot is sending me extra long front straps for her RF and XXL mud straps for her LF.

We are in a size 3 boot. For reference, she wears a size 1 horseshoe.

Let me see if I can add some photos from my phone. The adjustments were not difficult to do, fyi.

[Pico_Banana]

[fivestrideline]

Oh wow! How has the process been? Are you going just through Scoot (vs a fitter)? I’ve heard they’re great to work with, but I’m also checking out some groups and fitters suggested here.

Like I said earlier I’m waiting for a fresh trim (I’m learning to keep up with his feet in between trims) before taking pictures and measurements. But I’m still trying to learn as much as possible in the process.

[Pico_Banana]

I’ve been working with Scoot directly and they have been awesome! I did the sizing service through them to start. When I first put them on - just the boot part and the front straps, they seemed really tight so I took some photos of just that and sent them in with my concerns. They reassured me that they looked pretty good and suggested based on those photos that I use the heel extender. So I just did the second adjustment yesterday and sent in the photos I attached. Before I went to bed I already had a response and the larger sized pieces were already being sent to me.

So they have been super responsive and helpful. So nice when that happens!

I am considering putting them on her as is for a short time today and see if I can start the breaking in process. She is a sensitive chestnut so plan to use the gaiters.

I will also say that I was a tad intimidated by everything involved but it has actually been super easy. If you are already rasping your guy’s feet I have a feeling adjusting these will be no problem for you.

[Pico_Banana]

I watched this video a few times before attempting the adjustments. It was super helpful. Half of it was just getting the vocab down so you know what they are talking about.

How to fit your new Scoot Enduros to your horse

[RMJacobs]

Those are sure different from any boot I’ve used. Hope they do well for you and your horse.

Rebecca

[Kyrabee]

Oh great…another hoof boot to try . I tried the original Scoots on my mare. Worked with the company, sent her measurements and they sent me the ‘right’ size. The first canter she did, the boots flew off her feet. The Enduros look to have a much better retention system. I currently use Renegades but am trying to find some velcro-less boots. These might work if they have slims in them.

Susan