HOOF BOOTS - are they just a gimmick? (or changing the equine world?)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ค. 2024
- Hoof Boots - are they the future for protecting our horses’ hooves? Will shoes eventually become completely redundant - thrown on the scrap heap where they belong? Or are metal shoes always going to have a place and hoof boots are just a fancy accessory?
Lindsay Setchell, BSc (Hans), PGCE, HMB Pro Instructor
Founder: Hoofing Marvellous & the HM International School of Horse & Hoof Care
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If you would like to learn more about hoof problems and laminitis please take the following 4 steps:
👍 STEP 1. Join our FREE Phoenix group and join 1000s of other owners who are now waking up and fixing laminitis themselves: The Phoenix Way: Path 2 Hoof Health - / 291820723387464
🎥 STEP 2. Register and watch our FREE LAMINITIS WEBINAR: www.hmischool.horse/webinar-r...
👩🎓 STEP 2. Join our 15-day online Transformation Challenge 🏆 to learn fast about what causes laminitis and how to stop it: bit.ly/15-Day-Hoof-Challenge
(all pre-recorded lessons roughly 1 hr per day - take 15 days or longer - go at your own pace)
THEN…
💪 STEP 3. Join our 10-day Hoof Hero Challenge 🏆 and learn the CORRECT TRIM - whether you want to trim yourself or not - you need to KNOW (follows on from the 15-day challenge).
(Both challenges will cost you around 500 $ or £ total - pay for one at a time or both together - THEY WILL change you and your equine’s life forever… not 1000s on vets bills with unmentionable financial and emotional stress!!!)
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Stop laminitis and hoof problems - rise to the challenge 🏆
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#barefoothorses #hoofcare #lindsaysetchell #eqspressions #barfoothorsemag #hoofboots #scooboots #equinefusion #swissgaloppers #exploraboots #flexboots #renegadeboots #horses
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I want to thank the following hoof boot manufacturers who appeared in this video, for the use of their video clips and animation. I earn no commission on any sales. You can find out more about the boots featured in this video on their TH-cam channels:
- Equine Fusion - thank you for the video and animation footage: / equinefusion
- Swiss Galoppers - thank you for the video and animation footage: / swissgaloppers
- Explora boots - thank you for the video footage: / @explorahorseboots
- Flex boots - thank you for the video footage: / @flexhoofboots
- Scoot boots - thank you for the video footage: / scootbootsdownunder
- Renegade hoof boots - thank you for the video footage: / renegadehoofboots
![fellow fellow - Proud [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9uZF7BlUQPE/mqdefault.jpg)
Excellent video…. My horse has wonderful hard hooves and has always been barefoot, which is how I always want it. I’m looking into getting some boots for my horse for trail riding.
Thanks for your kind words :)
Thing to keep in mind is that hoof boots CAN alter the horses gait, especially for gaited breeds. The heavier and clunkier the boot, the greater the alteration.
Boots can make horse pick feet up higher, make them trot, pace. Even non gaited breeds can move differently as boots can cause them to lift knees higher, shorten stride too.
So for riding, go for the lightest weight boot that you can. ❤
As the boots aren't worn for long we actually don't see any problems with them - but the best thing of all of course is to have your horse kept and trimmed in a way they can go totally barefoot ;)
I agree with a lot of this. The one thing you don't seem to understand about jumping however is the role that a steel shoe has in reinforcing the lamina bond which is necessary with the repetitive and unnatural stress jumping with a rider causes. Obvs for competition horses this is more so... WDYT?
Shoes don’t reinforce the laminae bond. That’s a biological impossibility. The basal membrane holds the laminae together, and a metal shoe that disrupts the natural wear patterns of the foot, increases concussive forces in the foot, impedes natural feedback mechanisms, reduces surface area, is never going to do reinforce. Also, depending who trims the foot before the shoe is placed, because that is completely variable and subject to personal preference, will more often than not cause the foot to be unnaturally balanced. So no, shoes most certainly don’t help. The only thing I do agree with, is repetitive jumping is never going to be good for the horse and their limbs and joints.
@@lindsaysetchell A "biological impossibility" ? So you would say that it is a "biological impossibility" for a cast or steel plate to reinforce a broken bone too then? Or an athletic support to provide reinforcement to an athlete when competing?... How does the basal membrane "hold the laminae together" ? Are you talking about the laminae bond between sensitive and in sensitive lamina? A metal shoe provides protection from wear yes, that is it's primary function, the rest of your response goes off subject.
Thank you for another really informative and well put together video! So reassuring for those thinking of going barefoot or for those, like myself, who turned to boots to help with a smooth barefoot transition and now can't imagine not having them!
Thank you 🙏😀Glad to know making the videos are helping 👍
Super informative. Thank you!!
Thank you :)
brillant, loved your info, thank you so much. I've always fancied some "fusions", now even more so.
Glad it was helpful! :)
I love you for making this video. 👏👏👏
Thanks so much :) ❤️
Very good video. Well done. I will be sharing this on my trimming business page. Thank you
Thank you 🙏🥰
Thank you….accidentally a found your video….exactly what a needed….this week someone comes to help me choice…all the questions a have you answered..greetings form the Netherlands!
Greetings and thank you :)
Great informative Video, thanks 😊
Thanks so much :)
I love my Cavallo hoof boots.
Hoof Boots are changing the world, so many amazing brands now for almost every shape of foot👍
I love hoof boots. My gelding had soft soles and crumbly hooves when i bought him. Shoes were out of the question. His feet have toughened up with proper nutrition and regular farrier work. But i was using cavallo treks if riding on anything other than sand. Now i use them on rocky trails. They work fantastically. Have never had one come off. I even purchased a second pair for winter trail rides that have studs installed if its a bit slippery out.
That's great to hear 👏
I’ve kept barefoot horses most of my time with them. Boots are the best option when something extra is needed.
👏
Perfect. I’m in the works of getting shoes for my mare soon
Hoof boots do you mean? 👍
Equine fusion claim they are great for horses who have had problems with boots twisting because their leg twists as it hits the ground. I had that problem and they worked OK on dry, rough ground. Sadly, I took them on a trail ride and had to cross a small, muddy creek. The back boots twisted sideways. I drained the water and mud out and reset them almost immediately they twisted again. and repeat and repeat. Finally I ended up taking them off.
Yep it's all about getting the right fit - and we have to say that hind hooves are harder to keep booted for sure due to the twisting. Sometimes you have to choose a different model for the hinds.
New subscriber
Thank you 🙏
Watching here from Qatar
Awesome! 👍👏
I competed in Cowyboy Mounted Shooting on my gelding for 10 years barefoot! He did amazing. I am now transitioning my Mare to barefoot (she's got the thin soles, etc) and wondering if doing this sport with Scoot Boots will work. Thanks for the great video!
Fantastic news! If you ever want to share your story in The Barefoot Horse Magazine we'd love to publish it: contact info@barefoothorsemag.com and our admin team will guide you further. 👏
I just like listening to you! Very well done. Any information on mules?
Thank you 🙏😊
Hi -- great video, but in my case, it's preaching to the choir 😀. I was hoping that this video was going to be looking at the pros and cons of various boots. My horses are currently wearing Scoot Boots. I was liking the Swiss Gallopers, but when I went to order them, they didn't come in sizes to fit my two horses. Which I thought was odd, because I have average size horses with average size feet and no particular structural problems. I was wondering if the sizing had improved.
Thanks :) Sizing is improving all the time with different hoof boots coming out onto the market. Supply and demand I guess. 👍
LOVE your video ! ! I have never put shoes on my horse because I was thinking that metal shoes were a barbaric way to help a horse. We just do simple trail riding. Have you made a video comparing the different types/brands of boots? I would love to get some for my horse but do not know how to choose the correct ones.
Also I have a question Are these types of boots good for a horse that has suffered laminitis ? Thank you for your help.
I bought cavallo boots. Easy to get on for rehab on a laminitic horse. I still have 2 pairs. She wore them for about 2 months. Worked great. Heavy duty.
Thanks for your kind words. Go to hoofbootique.co.uk they ship worldwide and give lots of fitting advice for all the top hoof boot models
Great info! My mare has super flat feet and is barefoot. She is trimmed every 5 weeks. Scoot boots have been a game changer for her, especially when she is newly trimmed.
My question is whether, when she is newly trimmed, it is okay for her to wear them 24/7 until her hooves grow out a bit? She is in a covered dry lot during the hot summer days and turned out in a grassy pasture at night. She did have a bout of laminitis 3 years ago, so I watch temperatures and conditions carefully before turning her out. Thank you for any help you can provide😊
I use Scoot boots as well for my horse. First, if your horse is tenderfeet when freshly trimmes, you should talk to your farrier/hoof trimmer, maybe they should take a bit less of the hooves. Second, if your boots fit properly you should be able to use them for turnout 24/7, however you always have to check for rubbing
Horses can wear boots 24/7 but it's not advisable in the long run. Best to sort out the diet and then there is no need for wearing them all the time.
I have a mare who has a problem shod behind. She went barefoot behind last winter. I have had to do the same this winter. ( During summer she tolerated being shod with medication). I am looking at boots long term especially behind. I discussed with my farrier. He was ok with the idea but his comment was about front hoof boots would be a different shape to the hind foot. SO are there specific hind Hoof boots? 🤔
Booting hinds can be tricky due to the action of the hind feet, but some boots like Scoots, Flex, Explora etc the more 'tight fitting' boots are the best. Also consider joining our free Facebook group where you can find out more information on hoof care: facebook.com/groups/291820723387464
I am late to the party, but I do both metal shoes and hoof boots. My horse has cracks in his hooves from poor hoof care from his previous owners and now his feet are looking better, so the shoes supported the cracks. I had the shoes pulled off when he got his hoof caught in a hay net for several hours. I have the boots for when we go for walks on the road because it is all rocks and he is sensitive.
Forgot to mention, I always take shoes off in the winter. Here in Minnesota, our winters suck.
Grab yourself a rasp and file off the sharp edges around the bottom of the hoof every 2 weeks.
This should help with the cracking as the hoof will have less tendency to crack. 😊
If they're tender in the beginning of spring/summer. Pop a cut out yoga mat at the bottom of the boot so there's extra padding (like a sneaker) and helps stimulate the frog to grow 😁
I also pop a bit of hoof treatment on the sole so as I go for a ride the product has time to really soak into the hoof.
I have horses I shoe and horses I boot. All of our trails here are really rocky. Ive had outstanding farriers and have never had an issue with shoes in 50+ years. I no longer ride in winter and pull shoes then too.
A few tips I can offer are you are buy shoo fly boots. Horses crack their feet stomping and these stop it. I've even ridden some with them on lol.
Keratex hoof hardener is magic. It's pricey but lasts a LONG time. Consistency like water. Don't use it by coronary band or on frog. It kills white line, hardens feet and stops cracking. I use it 1-2 week.
There's a trace mineral supplement I use called big sky minerals. It's $80 for 40 lb bag but you just use a scoop 1-2 day. It's fixed so many issues for me. Hooves, coat, attitude, wood chewing.
Make sure your farrier is beveling the hoof when trimmed. Some don't which leads to cracking and breaking off. For horses and donkeys that don't get trimmed often, this trim type does help them to almost self trim, but for horses trimmed every 6-8 weeks it's a disaster.
Get a rasp and trim conservatively at a 45 degree angle every 2 weeks in between your farrier visits. There's also a rasp called radius rasp that's user friendly and rounds for you.
Shoes sadly don't support or heal - that's what owners are told but they are simply lifting the foot off the ground and padding them to stop the foot from hurting. Footsore horses can be helped without shoes by just using boots which don't compromise the hoof.
I've just discovered this video, so am a little late! I just want to say that I fully support horses going barefoot: however, there are circumstances where it isn't advisable. I bought an OTTB mare, many years ago, who turned out to have a slightly twisted pastern. It took cooperation between my veterinarian and farrier to address the issue. I was very lucky to have professionals who were not only experienced, but also caring. The necessary adjustments were done slowly and in such a way that she had no pain or discomfort. Since she was a young horse, it was possible to correct the problem. As to the boots, I am in Canada and have not heard anything about them since they first were introduced years ago. Where do you get them? I haven't seen them in tack shops. I know there are a lot of products available in the UK and Europe that don't seem to be available here. Frankly, it's rather annoying!
Hi hoof boots should be available all over the world now. Most hoof boot providers ship worldwide. 👍
Just dreadfully expensive in my country...
I’m being encouraged to put glue on shoes for two trim cycles to grow heel and sole concavity. Is there a hoof boot that would do the same job. Can be left on 24/7?
So has your horse been diagnosed with caudal hoof failure and collapse?
Hoof boots are great some better than others just too expensive should be cheaper considering they are made out of rubber or plastic
I have looked into glue ons or form a hoof what appeared to be a good choice too still not st the trying stage be interesting also
You are not just paying for the manufacturing of the end-product, but for the research, development and incredible expense of having molds made. If you buy from a good rep the money you pay for the boots also goes to the time your rep spends fitting, and follow up!
Most hoof boots cost on average around 200 dollars for 2 boots, shoeing all 4 feet costs about 100 dollars every 6-8 weeks in the US (varies from country a lot probably, here in Sweden 2 feet shoeing is about as expensive sometimes as full shoeing in the US). If your horse only needs boots on 2 feet, and the boots last several years (at least minimum 2 if you dont ride super intense and a lot with them), you have already covered the boot cost in 2-3 farrier visits. If the horse needs all 4 feet booted it surely gets a bit more expensive but still long term, way cheaper than shoeing, even with the regular trims the horse still needs. So if you think that way, it's not overly expensive with boots
Hoof boots last at least 20x longer and more than shoes - so they certainly aren't expensive at the end of the day :)
Hi Lindsay, my pony wears hoof boots 24/7 at the moment due to a very thin sole down to 1mm initially, she now has 9mm of sole after a year of this treatment and lots and lots of biotin. Any suggestions about the type of hoof boot for this use? I have used Cavallo entry level boots and the Cavallo air boots (which she seems to prefer) but I'm wondering whether there may be a more open boots that will improve the air flow to her very crumbly hooves
Hi, Scoots are great boots with a fair bit of airflow, but one of the best rehab boots for comfort are in my opinion are Equine Fusions. Your mare shouldn't be footsore now out of boots after a year, so if she is, or you are worried she might be, then I would be questioning the trim, diet and management. If you want to join our Phoenix group on FB you can post pics and we can help assess them for you 👍
@@lindsaysetchell I have joined, I will post some pictures and see what you think, my farrier has advised continuing with hoof boots for the moment as they are working
Can you do a video on different brands and the pros and cons of each?
Yes that is something we have planned :)
I don’t think it is easy. It is accessible to a wide audience with a wide range of options but not easy. The measurements charts only really focus on the width and length of the hoof but ignore the slope of the hoof and heel and the circumference of the pastern (ankle). Boots are also not always easy to put on with various ways of attaching the boot to the horse. The very first time I used scoots I lost a boot. They twist etc and each time you have to change to a new boot it costs you the coat of purchase even if you’ve supposedly had the horse’s feet measured by a trained fitter. They don’t take any accountability for what boot you then purchase. If it’s wrong again, you bear that cost. Don’t get me wrong I fully believe in hoof boots as I dislike metal shoes for all the reasons given. My personal peeve however is that you and the manufacturers continue to talk about how EASY it is to choose and fit and put on the various hoof boots. Let’s be more realistic about this aspect and create more realistic expectations, which will result in horse owners being more patient with the process of finding the correct hoof boot. It is definitely not easy!!! Thank you for this video and information you’re providing.
Yep always check size charts and draw around your horse's feet if necessary, and always do this after a fresh trim, not at any other time. 👍
I have a very complicated hoof problem. I have emailed flexi boots but they don't bother replying. My horse has a few issues. He's got a digital flex tendon injury with deformation ob the nuvicular. So concussion is a factor which the boots will resolve but problem number 2 that no one can answer regarding boots thus far. My horse requires a roll bar shoe set slightly back so that the shoe rolls and does the movement that than the bone joint. He has lower ring bone. How do boots help with this? Are they able to provide the same support in movement taking the stress of the joint?
Unfortunately owners are told that shoes support hooves, they don't do offer any kind of 'supporting' role. Hoof boots have been proven to dampen concussive forces in a piece of research that Equine Fusion did with the Swedish University of Agriculture. They found that metal shoes came out the worst for concussion which makes sense. So they won't be helping any arthritis in the foot and only making it worse. We haven't found a horse yet that doesn't do better barefoot with a natural trim compared to shod. If you want to find more help then please join our group The Phoenix Way: Path 2 Hoof Health - link below in the description.
I have a Tennessee walker. I've always done barefoot hooving. This past Aug the ground was super hard, thr flies were awful. I bought fly boots. They were great. Their feet were so chipped up that in my own stupidly I thought putting on shoes was a good thing for hoof protection. Well about 2 weeks later my walker could not walk. The vet said he had laminitis. The farrier pulled off the shoes but my horse did not get better. I did about 2weeks of Bute that helped a little. My daughter suggested "magic cushion" being held in place by a diaper and duct tape along with ice packs on cornet band. Happily, he's starting to get better and walk with a little pep. I watched you video. I think you are right. The shoes did not flex with his front feet and injured his foot. Anyways can you suggest a boot that will protect him just to leave on 24/7 for a while during his healing process. Something that will not rub or fall apart
We like Equine Fusion, Flex, Swiss Galoppers, and Scoots, boots but to be honest it is the boot that fits your horse the best :)
@@lindsaysetchellshe asked for 24/7 leave on options. So am I correct in looking At your suggested boots as 24/7 options. I’m trying to grow heel and build sole concavity.
Is there somewhere I can go to try a range of boots on to see which one suits my horse.
I know you can order the shells to try on but I'm not an expert on fitting.
Go check out hoofbootique.co.uk they ship worldwide and guide with fitting 👍
I trail ride in s California, I have bad knees so need easy ones to put on, appreciate your suggestions
Equine Fusions
Yep full cover boots like Equine Fusions are the easiest but it really needs to be the boot that fits your horse the best :)
My horse is chewing up brand new hoof boots😢. How do I prevent this??
How is he chewing them up?
@@lindsaysetchell She just bends her head down and chews the back and sides of the hoof boots with her teeth.
Are they suitable for riding on cement? Especially for slipping issues
Absolutely you can use hoof boots on all surfaces :)
Thank you. I am so sick of metal shoes.
You and me both! 👍
Hi Lindsay, great video! I loan a Thoroughbred and his feet are so sensitive. He's shod every 6 weeks but loses shoes for fun (he over reaches)and then is very often foot sore if hes barefoot for longer than a day. When he looses a shoe it takes half his hoof with it 😢 Do you have any advice on diet? What I can I feed him (as natural as possible) to help him transition to barefoot and get his feet in good condition please?
I used to own a horse who regularly lost shoes due to soft hooves. If you add a little bit of cod liver oil to his feed, and brush a bit of castor oil around the coronet band/top of hoof, it will help a lot. I think I only added about a tablespoon to the feed. It was a couple of decades ago, but I believe that was the amount I added. It did not take long to start helping, and also improved his coat, as an added bonus.
Hi and thanks for the kind words. Sorry not to reply until now. Being footsore when your horse loses a shoe is a sign that the hooves and the body are suffering from inflammatory issues (diet mainly but the shoeing/trimming will be a problem too). So first and foremost start by making sure your horse has 24/7 365 mixed meadow hay (no rye) - it is the fibre that horses need to create energy via the microbes in their hind gut. If your horse is eating more grass than hay, or is being fed too many bagged feeds or supplements, this won't help the feet - and hence the need for shoes. If you want to watch more about diet and management, go to our HMI School of Horse & Hoof Care TH-cam channel where you'll find lots of free really useful webinars: th-cam.com/channels/vs_w-pufcFmXm-X7Hkbc5w.html We also have a new free group we've just set up on Facebook called 'The Phoenix Way: Path 2 Hoof Health': facebook.com/groups/291820723387464 that will help you too. Good luck!
Being herbivores we don't suggest cod liver oil for a feed for horses - all that's needed is 24/7 365 good mixed meadow hay, a salt/mineral block and fresh water - it's the magic all horses need 👍
@@lindsaysetchell As a general rule, I would agree. The information I used for my own horse came from a book now considered very outdated. However, it did work, and my horse stopped losing shoes. The amount added to the feed was minimal.
I do need to find a hoof boot that works in muddy terrain. I can’t trot and canter on muddy ground in my hoof boots so it gets a bit frustrating. I have flex boots but they’re not fully working for me. Any suggestions welcome!
Scoot boots with the mud straps. Only boot I've ever tried that stays on in the deep mud. No Velcro either. They're not clunky like other boots I've tried.
The one thing I'd say is that the mud straps can cause friction rubs in the beginning and when it's really muddy.
I use a friction rub prevention stick on the horse before I put mud straps on. It's pretty water and sweat proof. Buy them online or at drug stores. They're made for athletes and hikers to prevent rubbing. Hope this all helps you.
@@tracyjohnson5023 thanks! I did purchase a pair of scoot boots for the hind feet and I really like them ☺️. Xx
@@thisirishcobcan what did you get for fronts?
@@tracyjohnson5023 I have flex boots for the fronts. Love them! Do really well in my muddy field as well. X
@@thisirishcobcan great to know thank you
Do they put pressure on pasterns etc
A good boot should act similar to a running sneaker.
Should have the right amount of give so absorb the shock of the landing and not too hard that it'll jar the leg.
There's a really good slow motion video on TH-cam somewhere that shows the difference between boots, barefoot, glue on's, and metal shoes. At a canter or trott. 🤔
No boots shouldn't put pressure on anywhere on the hoof, if it does then it's not the right boot or fit.
If you're going to use hoof boots, you're going to have to learn to rasp a little unless you have farrier trimming every 3-4 weeks.
With properly fitted boots, they won't go on for 6/8 weeks between trims if your horse has decent hoof growth.
The radius rasp is very easy to use for this purpose. It is rounded and works well for the little bit between trims.
Or....get two pair of boots.
Yep trims need to be every 6 weeks and no longer as the boots will get tighter in between trims if the horse isn't get enough movement bare.
That's always one option :)
How do they perform on concrete roads
Really well 👍👏
What is the best boot for a high/low heel horse?
Scoot Boot Enduros have an adjustable heel and are great for this. Feel free to reach out to me if you need help with fit in the US.
Depends on the size of each foot, it's the best boot that fits the foot. Go to hoofbootique.co.uk they ship worldwide and can offer hoof boot fitting guidance online :)
You gels under they shoes to give them softness blows it is another way make better
Yes pads in hoof boots work well if needed 👍
Rubber and water do NOT mix.
Metal shoes are going no where. They will be used all over the world because they have a use. That says nothing about hoof boots or barefoot. All three will continue to be utilized because they serve a different purpose for different horses and riders. Stop moralizing this reality. It's boring and ignorant.
Metal shoes would be great if they didn't cause harm to the hoof, plus those using the metal shoes aren't aware that their horses are in need of them because their horses already exhibit chronic inflammation in their bodies and feet - hence why they can't cope without them. It's a mindset shift. Rather than seeing shoes as helping the horse, see them as disguising the true problems that horse is facing.
@lindsaysetchell they don't cause harm to the foot for a vast majority of horses. Some? Sure. There will always be some things that some horses respond poorly to. If metal shoes were as bad as you seem to think, they would have been abandoned ages ago when horse health was crucial to human survival. They didn't, so they weren't. Seriously, folks need to bone up on history. Time didn't start in 2016. smh. The mindset shift is super slim and exists mostly at the fringe for a reason. Because it's imagined like the wackadoodle "bits are evil and unnatural" schtick. It will pass like most flights of fancy.
If your horse is sore and needs boots then your riding a horse with inflammation and lame