Hoof Boots for Ranch Pleasure Classes

[Bopper]

My horse has had some hoof issues and a friend that is a farrier recommended trying Cavallo boots for showing (she does not live me, so she is not my farrier). I am going to talk to my farrier next week to see what he thinks. The hoof issues relate to and sensitive hooves making walking across rocks difficult and most arenas in my area have gravel areas in order to move around the facility and between arenas. Currently the horse is doing better without shoes that we pulled earlier this year, so the farrier is reluctant to go back to shoes.

Has anyone shown in hoof boots for ranch pleasure and/or trail? The association that I compete in does not have any restrictions related to hoof boots.

I am hoping to borrow a pair to try before I buy a set just to see how the horse handles it but any input on experiences is welcome.

[Paint_Party]

I show on a couple of circuits in ranch classes, including ranch trail and ranch pleasure. I’ve never seen a horse compete in hoof boots, so be sure your association understands you’re talking about hoof boots, not bell boots or leg protection. If I’m showing in ranch reining I’ll put boots or wraps on my mare’s legs, but never hoof boots.

That being said… I actually bought a pair of Cavallo hoof boots for my mare last year specifically because one show series required me to park my trailer on the far side of a dry wash that was filled with rocks. I hated leading her back and forth across that mine field, so I’d pull the Cavallos on her from the trailer to the arena, pull them off and show, then put them back on for the trip back to the trailer. Fortunately those shows have moved to a better site. But I still have the boots as a memento!

So, depending on what your farrier says, you might consider that idea.

[MyDarkPassenger]

I don’t have experience with ranch riding-someday - but I’ve trialed a few different brands for various activities. The Cavallos are great for turnout but are pretty clunky for anything more than a jog. For performance, I’d look into Renegade*, Easy Boot, or Scoot depending on your horse’s hoof conformation and needs.

*My horse comfortably wtc, trail rode on muddy mountain sides, and lightly jumped in them without twisting or coming off.

[RedHorses]

I’ve been using Cavallos for over 15 years. I’ve done everything in them from trail rides, dressage (Second level), hunting behind hounds, hunter paces, jumping, to 26 mile endurance rides on pavement, gravel roads, grass fiels, crop fields, mud, rivers, puddles, and snow in every gait from sedate walk to flat out gallop. I’ve used them for 24/7 turnout quite extensively in the last few years. I have lost a boot twice.

I do use pastern wraps, except when I have a hoof wrapped in a diaper and vetrap.

As my horse has aged and his movement patterns have altered, his right hind boot is twisting as that leg twists more during the load bearing phase of the stride. I’m trying to get a slim boot to see if that will help. For comparison Scoot boots twisted on both hind feet when I tried them several years before the cavallo twisting started on his right hind.

Cavallos are easy to put on and take off without tools.

As with any hoof boot the caveat is that they only work if they fit that horse.

[Foxglove]

When I have questions like this, I email the ARHA or whatever organization governs your shows. I learned the hard way that other’s opinions are not always correct no matter who the person is or what expertise he/she thinks he/she has.

Most recently my cow horse provider, who shows in the cutting/sorting world, suggested I put Bob back into a snaffle to work cattle. He said, “Everyone who sorts uses a snaffle.” Bob is coming 10 years old --I thought a snaffle was prohibited after age 5. Cow man assured me “everyone uses a snaffle for cow work,” —

Following my own advise, I contacted the show organizer and the ARHA with that specific question. Within 24 hours, I had the answer --horses over 6 (January of that year) must be shown in a shanked bit --ie, not a snaffle. And they must be shown one handed --not two.

So email --find out from the people who wrote the rulebook instead of the people who read the rulebook.

[Bopper]

Thank you for the responses. The rulebook does not prohibit any kind of hoof or leg boot as per a board member that runs the association. The association is more lenient than others and horses can even be ridden in a snaffle at any age. I know some American Stock Horse judges so I will ask them their opinion on hoof boots too.

Any additional comments are welcome.

[cayuse]

Just be prepared for someone to say something about them. If it’s not in writing in the rulebook that they are in fact allowed, people might parse the words about it. BTDT at a fun show. Just wanted to use boots on the show grounds (not in a class) and it caused some angst.

[leighbo009]

Is it possible to use the hoof boots only for commuting between rings & not in the area? If the arena has good footing, that would be my opinion.

[Paint_Party]

@leighbo009

Is it possible to use the hoof boots only for commuting between rings & not in the area? If the arena has good footing, that would be my opinion.

That’s my suggestion, too.

@Foxglove is correct, too, in that you need to very specifically hear from the head of the association that hoof boots are acceptable in competition. In fact, I’d want to see that in writing. Also, I’d want assurances that the judge/judges for that specific day will be made aware that you’re not to be penalized for competing in hoof boots.

[Bopper]

I had thought about using boots only in any areas with questionable footing. There is always a walk through of the trail and pleasure pattern in the morning so I can also ask the judge then about their feelings about boots. In the past the association has stood by “if it is not in the rule book then it is allowed”. I can also ask more board members for opinions too.

[Montanas_Girl]

I have seen people use hoof boots at my local ARHA affiliate shows, so they may be legal.

However, they will significantly reduce the horse’s quality of movement (via increased knee action); don’t expect to place well while using them if your circuit is as competitive as mine.

If he’s sound without them but just sensitive on gravel pathways between arenas, can you not use them for getting to the ring and then take them off when you get there?