Can anyone recommend a good hoof boot for turnout? Not a therapy boot like Soft Rides , but a sturdy boot that would take the place of shoes. This particular horse does not have enough hoof to put shoes on right now .Thank you
I came across Flex Hoof boots.
https://www.flexhoofboots.com
They mention you can use for turnout and they seem to have pretty good drainage. Most regular hoof boots are not intended for turnout or 24/7 use but may work provided you provide a period for the feet to dry out or liberally use powder in the boots.
Susan
I currently have one turned out in Scoot Boots and one turned out in Equine Fusion Ultras. The Scoots are closer fitting and are made entirely of TPU, so they don’t retain any moisture and the design makes it so grit/dirt etc really can’t get trapped inside. They are fairly unforgiving in terms of hoof shape for fit as they need to fight very tightly to work well. EFs are more flexible fit-wise and work really well for turnout, too - but they do retain moisture. I will say I haven’t had an issue with debris being trapped inside, they design is quite clever. Not all of their models are designed for turnout, so you need to make sure you go with one that is.
I’m really happy with Scoots on my big guy. He is an insane houdini and the mouthiest horse of all time. The Scoots fit really closely even without the pastern strap attached, so I’m able to leave him veeerrry little to mess with, and a pull on gum bellboot fits overtop nicely to further foil his plans.
If you go with Scoots I highly recommend working with a rep to size and purchase rather than directly with ScootBoot. They are a lovely company to work with and when you use their fitting service they cover all shipping costs until you get the right size, which is awesome - BUT I have struggled with their sizing, and they ship from Australia, so it takes approximately forever :lol: There are some great reps in Canada and the States who will get you sized properly with a fitting kit which is well worth it. The North American rep for Fusions is also a tip top kind, lovely person and you can’t go wrong working with her.
I use the Delta Boot by Mustad. I have a Paso Fino gelding who has to have boots due to thin soles and him being IR doesn’t really help. I turn him out with them on even on the full six acres and he hasn’t lost one yet. I have been using the same boots now for over three years, turnout 24/7 removing them once a week for a twenty four hour period to let his feet dry out if wet during rainy days. These boots are just now showing wear needing replacing. During riding season I used to have him shod, but quit and now only keep the boots on him. I bought them through Valley Vet. Click on horse supplies/tack on the left side, then go to Sports medicine. You will find them there along with many other type boots, but these have held up better than any others plus are more affordable.
I use Old Mac G2s for my OTTB who is growing out his “race” hoof. I personally have had bad luck with Cavallo boots. I found the quality to be sub par, all three pair of mine (different sizes) cracked apart with little use.
