Nice quiet 7 yo TB gelding tends to foot soreness, especially with the large amount of rain we have had over the past 12 months that has kept pastures continuously damp. These days he goes sound on the soft part of the arena and careful on the firmer surfaces, can show a head-bob if one foot or other has more of the sole on the ground. Shoes make a positive difference. Have been using Easyboot Epics when his shoes are off, and the Easyboots help quite a bit. I’m looking for recommendations for durable hoof boots that will do well on trails, stay on, and not press unnecessarily on his soles. Just want to know if the Epics are the best choice.
I’ve had him for about a year and I don’t know about his prior history with his hooves. Got him off the track and the problem didn’t show up then. In fact, he didn’t have a problem until the rain started so continuously. His previous connections were non-committal about his history. His PPE was clean, no x-rays done. He’s had foot x-rays since then and they were clean, although some bone changes indicate he did a lot of galloping. This horse is willing and kind and smart, and except for his troublesome feet he seems to be just what I was looking for.
He’s wearing shoes to help hold and guide the hoof shape as it grows out. The hooves are improving over the months with better nutrition, Biotin supplement, and Hoof Alive salve on the coronet. But his foot grows slowly and the ground stays damp, which is not helping. I would like to keep him in as much training and work as he is comfortable with, but it all depends on the protection for his soles. With or without shoes, there are days when he really needs some extra cushion to be comfortable riding. The farrier takes nothing off the sole and is developing the sole and hoof wall shape, but the hooves tend to be a bit soft. (The farrier is a specialist with TB’s with difficult feet. The feet are a much better shape and strength than they were a few months ago.) (The vet has also been involved when the horse was the most sore, and endorsed the direction we are on with farriery. The vet is a racetrack specialist. If it matters.)
The Easyboot Epics had a pastern strap but the horse self-customized them by removing the strap on his own. Have been using the newly strapless boots when riding, and the boots stay on at the walk and trot. But they pick up a lot of arena sand. He tends to lose the backs when cantering a smaller circle. (He was sore enough one day that I let him wear the boots during turnout, and that’s when he took action and convincingly removed the strap around the pastern.)
Going forward, when the boots are most needed for riding they will be used 4-5 days a week. Mostly firm dirt trails and soft grass trails, and a covered arena that is a bit deep. Walk trot canter, circles, lateral work. Some hills, all degrees of grades. There are a few stony trails but we have the option of avoiding those. We are in the arena often these days due to the deep slippery mud outside.
Which hoof boots do people consider to be the best for a purpose like this? What about inserts of an extra cushion, keeping in mind that his sole needs to have less pressure on it? Is it a terrible idea to use Magic Cushion along with the boots (how would the inside of the boot be cleaned?)? What about using them over shoes vs without shoes? Since the pastern strap bothers him, are there good choices without the strap? There is some consideration to cost, but I’m willing to get the good ones so long as they last and give plenty of use.
I would love to think that this horse is going to progress to not needing the boots. But I’m thinking I need to be prepared to use them indefinitely because of the very long and wet weather pattern that shows no sign of drying out. The endless moisture is keeping his hoof walls soft. I’m willing to invest, in case he needs them to have a good career on trails and lower level competition.
For what it is worth, he’s a size 2 on every foot. (Maybe 1-3/4 or 1-7/8 … there is just the tiniest bit of extra space, depending on the latest rasp.) Any tips on correct sizing will be appreciated. The tack store here that sells them is willing to have the horse come and they will find the ones that fit him. None of the store personnel have much experience with hoof boots, though.
Thanks for your experience, knowledge and ideas! 
Good to know that I can replace the gaiter, but not sure the horse will let it stay. He’s sensitive to things on his pasterns and lower legs. Although we are going to have to cross that bridge eventually with protective wear.