Horse boots for dummies

[Lumpy_Space_Pony]

Ready to try boots (Cavello to start) but I have questions.

The boot people say horses need a series of short periods to acclimate to boots. Is this a hard and fast rule? My mare had to be soaked for a few days and did not require any getting comfortable period. I just duct-taped double empty kitty litter bags on her leg and she would graze peacefully for an hour.

If she’s quiet in hand, can I just go straight into ground work to make sure she’s comfortable in boots (reliable fit, no rubs), and then ride the next day?

Are there issues with going from boots to hard shoes for show season? (I do not show. A kids also rides my horse.)

Scoot and Cavello seem to be the only boots that basically advertise themselves as okay for jumping. If anyone’s jumping in boots, how is that working out?

My mare isn’t doing anything massive. 3’5" and the smaller ditches and banks. Is that lower-level jumping done in boots?

What are the odds of boots staying on in water – water with solid footing, not mud.

Outside of endurance riding, what’s too long for wearing boots? Could I put her in boots early morning and leave her in her stall with the boots until the kid rides later in the morning?

Instead of a new topic, I considered bumping up this Zombie thread: https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/endurance-and-trail-riding/9768757-scoot-boots-anyone

Let me know if I should’ve awakened the Zombie.

[Scribbler]

Some of this is just common sense.

Put on boots for the first time with the horse tied or held, and be aware they might react. Do a short session to make sure they fit and are stable. Some boots like Renegades really can’t rub, others might, Scoot wants you to build up endurance over several day.

Really whether there are any I’ll effects from leaving a horse standing in boots all day is going to depend on the weather the climate and whether this boots rub him.

I have been using Renegades. They stay on in water, there’s no reason why not. The neoprene heel captivator does stay wet after though which can make for a soft damp heel at the end of the ride.

I find that after a trim, my Renegades are very secure and I can canter in them. Between trims when the foot is a bit long or asymmetrical, the boots will twist and sometimes come off cantering on harder ground in trails. They are always fine in the arena. I don’t need them in the arena but if I have them on for trails warmup I leave them on.

How well boots stay on is very individual to the horse, the trim, the time in the trim cycle, and the brand if boot.

I would not jump in boots. I just don’t feel they are secure enough.

I’ve only had experience with Renegades but am hoping to try Scoots soon.

[SuzieQNutter]

With cavellos you can buy gel pads that go in the boot and you can buy socks to help stop rubbing.

If it says allow 20 minutes and build up then do that, why do the opposite?

[endurancehorsemt]

Hi, I’m a Scoot Boot rep. I had also used Renegades for over 8 years. You can find lots of information about Scoot Boots on my Facebook group Scoot Boot Adventures (https://www.facebook.com/groups/191421184909626/) but I will answer your questions.here too!

Regarding groundwork: When you first put on Scoot Boots (any brand), you should check for a proper fit, then walk the horse on a lead, including some tight turns and trot the horse on a lead. If that all goes well you should have no issue with groundwork. If the horse is green or has never used boots before you may want to do some desensitization work in case a boot gets hung up on the foot and is flopping around the ankles. This has happened to me with other brands but not with Scoot Boots!

Riding the next day in Scoot Boots: As long as the groundwork did not raise any concerns, and you feel comfortable (you know your horse best) then by all means ride. Keep it to a few miles the first few rides to give the boots a chance to break in and make sure the fit is correct.

Regarding Scoot Boots to shoes for show season I would not expect any issues. I don’t show but have gone from shoes to boots and back on my horse including doing 50 mile endurance rides! I’ve even used shoes on 2 feet and boots on 2 feet at the same time!

Jumping in Scoot Boots: Yes! Check this out: https://scootboots.com/blogs/testimonials/can-you-jump-in-scoot-boots

Scoot Boots staying on in water - Yes! I have gone through creeks and ankle deep sticky clay mud in my Scoot Boots. Over 100 miles so far of tough rocky terrain on my current pair and they have never once come off or twisted. I’ve even cantered up hill with wet boots after crossing a creek and they stayed put. Have never been able to do that with any other boot.

Putting boots on in the morning for the kids - Yes, not a big deal to put them on a few hours ahead. There are no wires that could cut your horse if they were to twist.

If you are interested in the boots I’m happy to answer any other questions. I can fit them remotely using photos.

[Lumpy_Space_Pony]

Hey - thanks for all the useful responses. When work is busy I have infrequent access to playing on the internet (which I why I’ve just lurked for years.)

As far as my question about speeding up the introduction - most boots do not advise a series of very brief trials before using the boots. Most brands suggest acclimating the horse in hand, doing a little ground work, and then just see how it goes.

That said, I’ve decided that me using boots is one thing. Having a couple of kids also using boots on my horse, even with the trainers supervision, is too stressful. We’re still in standard iron shoes for a while. If her current riders go off to college or buy their own horses, I’ll probably try boots again.

[Scribbler]

I had a 13 year old girl riding my horse unsupervised one year, and she was able to put the Renegade boots on and off as well as any adult. I trusted her to tack up alone, saddle and bridle and pick out the hooves, and we even had sport boots (leg coverings) in use for a bit. All of which were no problem.

Anyhow if a kid can tack up alone, pick out the feet and use leg protection, honestly a hoof boot is no.big deal.

On the other hand if the horse needs hoof boots for arena work, those are some soft feet and perhaps he should stay in shoes

[Lumpy_Space_Pony]

@Scribbler

Anyhow if a kid can tack up alone, pick out the feet and use leg protection, honestly a hoof boot is no.big deal.

Rationally, I know this is true. Irrationally, because I, myself, am not experienced with using boots, the whole idea of someone else using boots on my horse stresses me out.