I live and board in an amazing place in the mountains, but our barn does not have an indoor arena. Normally I have just given my horses time off for a few months and restarted in late winter/early spring. This year I have my four year old ottb that just got going with her flatwork this fall and I would like to keep up some level of conditioning over the next few months. Our winter has been unseasonably warm, so, although we have snow, its also more icy than usual, with our temps often being right around freezing. Since she had her shoes pulled, I was thinking of getting some of the horse boots (easy boot, boa, marquis, or something) and putting ice screws or studs in them. Does anyone have experience with these? Would you only get them for the front? If not, would you put studs on only the fronts or all fours? two or four studs per shoe? Is one brand or type better than others? My horse is a bit tender-footed on the roads with no shoes on and it is quite icy in many places, even under new snow.
OR … I could just give it up, go skiing, and wait until spring
I wouldn’t be riding at all if there is significant ice. Beyond they, when we’re just talking snow or mud, every barefoot enthusiast will tell you that barefoot is best for that (although, my studded mount wasn’t slipping in the mud hunting yesterday, while the barefoot horse in front of us was…). Someone with more knowledge about hoof boots will have to answer as to which is best, but if you’re riding on the roads and she’s tender, she’ll be best off in SOMETHING. But I wouldn’t be bothering with riding at all if there is ice. Too risky.
The racing Icelandic ponies wear special boots to race. I wouldn’t worry about the falling/slipping issues so much - as finding the right boot that will prevent (Proper boot & fitting, stud care & replacement, etc).
I have no ideas what the Tolting Ponies wear on the track ?
I don’t know … People are having a hard time staying upright (including myself), so it’s probably not worth the risk with a horse. The ice layers are going to persist through our winter season I fear.
That doesn’t sound conducive to a young horse’s learning. Better her to have the time off and back track a bit (but you may find that she retains lots. They usually do) than have a set back to injury of either one of you.
On another thread some posters had written that the studded hoof boots still don’t have great traction, as the boot grips but the foot inside still slides a bit (seeing as the hoof boots aren’t absolutely skin tight).
My horse was recently overcoming an abscess and I had to have him in a boot to prevent the holes in the sole getting gunky and re-infected. I rode outside several times, and even with just the absolute lightest dusting of snow in the sand ring, was having traction problems. I would absolutely not ride him outside in boots (these were not studded) if there was any ice at all.
Yes, if I got boots, I would definitely get the studs, or ice screws. I think the boots alone may be worse than being barefoot on ice. There is always the shoe with snow pads and barium option, but she is pastured with another horse and I wouldn’t want anything to happen if they were rough-housing. I also like giving her a few months without shoes.
[QUOTE=Rainier;7920647]
Normally I have just given my horses time off for a few months and restarted in late winter/early spring. This year I have my four year old ottb that just got going with her flatwork this fall and I would like to keep up some level of conditioning over the next few months.[/QUOTE]
As counter intuituive as it seems, I think giving a 4 year old a break at this point can be a really, really good thing–for a lot of different reasons. Being 4 is hard. Going to work carrying a rider properly is hard. The mental stuff that happens when training starts is hard. I have found laying some solid ground work then letting them mentally and physically chill out for a couple three months is very helpful in the long term developement. (I also find that they lose a lot less in fitness and training than you would expect.)
I am a barefoot person feel free to PM me. I wish I could post more on here but just don’t have the time. My last horse wore Marquis boots around training Level. Studded. These would be my suggestion for you. They have the best fit due to air bladder and best stud application. I like gloves too, but they don’t hold studs well. I use the old Mac G2’s on an older guy that runs around novice. They are bulky boots though. He doesn’t mind, but some horses would. There are some good FB pages that have used boots for sale. I have a pair of Marquis I am parting ways with if you wanted to try them. While expensive, those are my hands down favorite for traction without coming off.
Leave mare barefoot and go skiing (if you can find snow)
In spring put skiis up and shoe the mare
There is a four letter word for Barefoot thoroughbreds. Sound has 5 letters
Outyougo, we have the best snow in the PNW. Its a godsend for our community after the devastating fires.
Rainier good for the snow isn’t doing a lot in Oregon
Good luck on new horse Odds on spring will re-appear
