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

[fivestrideline]

Thanks for the zinc tips! And the duct tape! I’ve been planning to alternate days with them on in turnout, but haven’t yet done it so he’s gone without. I need to find my spare wraps and pads just cause I think it’ll help. I’m also planning to dump baby powder into the boots before putting them on, they can get swampy when worn half the day!

I rolled his toes today, realistically didn’t take off much at all. Just enough to make me feel better. He has 4 white feet, unlike my other gelding with black feet. It makes finding landmarks just a tad harder! Not that I’m doing much, I just don’t want to go past the waterline. Also, I need to learn the best method for swiping at his heels; I know what I’m trying to accomplish but I can’t seem to make the rasp cooperate quite yet . Luckily, I can’t take much off at a time so I’m learning how to handle the tools + my back + his leg without doing anything drastic.

Anyways, rambling. Hopefully I can make progress with breaking in the boots a bit better so he can wear them outside!

[stb]

So I got very frustrated with my Scoot Boot fit and problems. This week I put Cavallos back on my horse and we had a great ride. The boots did not rub, turn, or go flying off into a ditch like my Scoots did. The Cavallos were super easy to put on and take off, as well.

I think I’m done with the Scoots.

[fivestrideline]

Just updating in case anyone comes through here later.

I’ve started turning him out in 4 Cavallos overnight. He goes outside bare during the day to give the boots a chance to dry - ideally I’d have him wear them 23/7 but I would need a second set.

HUGE difference in his comfort with the boots on. I can’t speak to exactly how he feels on turnout BUT I notice an immediate, marked difference in his way of going. He’s more confident on his feet and I don’t see the random “owie” moments. Same for under saddle - he’s not “lame” without them but is certain cautious on his feet. I also notice a marked improvement when I have the back boots on vs just the fronts.

I am considering some lower profile boots like Scoots or Renegades for riding, mainly because he forges enough with the bulky Cavallos that he is bending the back boot Velcro/hoof wrap part upwards . However, the ease of the Cavallos can’t be beat. I do wish they didn’t take so long to dry though.

[fivestrideline]

In an effort to not derail my other thread about glue-ons, I’m updating this one.

Just contacted a boot fitter for Scoot Boots, I’m going to try them for his hinds. In summary, I noticed a significant difference in my balance in the saddle with 4 Cavallos (worse) vs just fronts (better) vs bare (best). However, he is definitely footy in front without his boots - which makes sense based on his extremely flat soles. He seems okay on the grass with bare hinds, but I’d like some protection for the gravel drive and on trails.

He forges pretty significantly with the 4 Cavallo boots on, I think they’re just bulky on him. That plus the change in my balance in the saddle has me looking for alternative setups. The lovely @barnesthenoble suggested Equine Fusion Jogging Shoes for a more aggressive breakover vs the Cavallos, with more support than the Scoots. I’m in the process of researching and measuring, but I think I’m going to try those in front and hopefully the Scoots behind!

The Cavallos will still serve me well for turnout purposes as needed. The reason I haven’t gone to glueons is because I will have to fly solo on hoof care and I’m not quite ready for that.

Anyways, I’ll update as I go along just because I’ve already used this thread to keep my details straight and maybe it’ll help someone else who is taking the leap into boots for the first time!

[knic]

I did cavallos up front for turnout and scoots to ride in for a couple months while growing out some crappy racetrack feet. Worked great.

I would never consider riding in the other bulky boot options vs the scoot boots. I even jumped a bit in the scoot boots.

I didn’t find the scoot boots hard to fit, just measure and check the sizing guide closely.

[fivestrideline]

Yeah the bulk is clearly an issue!

FWIW just front Cavallos seems mostly okay - he forges some, but nothing like with all 4. He’s not a particularly daisy clipping mover either!

I find the Cavallos work great for turnout (I have pads in the fronts too), and the BO can easily take them off for me as needed. I know the Scoots won’t be that way

[knic]

Scoots would def rub if you left them on full time.

I wouldn’t just be worried about the forging but also the extra stress on soft tissue of doing more than the occasional walk in the cavallos under saddle.

[barnesthenoble]

Good luck!! I hope the Equine Fusions work well for you. And if they just really don’t work, the resale on them is usually ok for really lightly used.

I’ve jumped and galloped in them successfully, so from experience they work quite well!

[Christa_P]

I just did the same thing, I have samples on the way to check for the correct size.

[Kyrabee]

I have had my mare in Renegades in front and Flex Boot behind. She forges (sometimes) in this set up as the breakover is different between brands of boots. She never forged with Renegades all around. I am going back to the Renegades in back when the Flex boots wear out. If she is carrying herself well, she does not forge so I am not going to change things now. All along it is the Renegades work for her so I give up trying other brands. I just need to love Velcro .

I don’t think I will give glue-ons a try. I have a finite amount of barn time (about 2 hrs per visit) and it seems much simpler to use boots (5 mins on and 2 minutes off). IF she ever has a definite need for shoes, she would probably appreciate glue-ons. The whole reason she is BF is that she was a bit** to shoe when she was younger. This was back when she was 6…much cheaper to go BF w/boots than vet w/tranq (before the days of the oral tranqs) and the farrier.

[RedHorses]

I haven’t had any problems with Cavallos. I have a lot of miles and hours riding WTC in all kinds of conditions, doing all kinds of activities in over ten years of riding.

[fivestrideline]

@Christa_P are you doing the Equine Fusions?

Please let me know how it goes!

[Christa_P]

No, scoot boots

[fivestrideline]

Ah gotcha.

Yep I have some samples coming to try on the hinds as well

[Christa_P]

I got the fitting samples Saturday and ordered a full set of Scoot Boot Enduros Sunday. They should be here by Saturday. I’m looking forward to trying them out, hopefully the heat lets up by then.

[fivestrideline]

Nice!

My samples are still “in route” per USPS

[Christa_P]

That sucks, mine were only delayed one day. I hope yours arrive soon.

[Old_Mac_Donald]

They disintegrate too. Every single one of mine has perished and are unusable, all around the pastern region.

Meanwhile I have a second hand pair of Easyboots that predate the Scoots by a few years, good as gold. I wouldn’t touch Scoots with a barge pole now. They come off easily, and if you go down a size, rub the beejesus out of your horse.

[Christa_P]

My boots arrived. I tried them on and made some adjustments, but it’s way too hot and sticky to ride. I will try it the morning.

[fivestrideline]

I just sent my fitting clips, waiting to hear back.

I’m unsure about the Scoots, to be honest. I want to like them as they are so low profile and grippy, but they are also very thin and flexible. Like wearing flip flops vs a hiking shoe. This is why I only ordered a fitting for the hinds! I do not think they will do much for a horse that may need more support like mine does in the front.

I think my instincts are saying Fusions in front if I switch out of Cavallos at all, and Scoots behind for the times bare isn’t enough!