Hoof Boots

[emrt]

Can any one recommend a good pair of hoof boots:confused:
And possibly point me in the direction where I can buy them:confused:



:cool:This is the reason I need them, sorry its so long winded!
Though the spring and summer, I will be doing equestrian spectacular shows, doing mainly spanish high school and Garocha. Because we are having Flamenco dancing in the show the boss has built a new arena with a wooden surface (flat wood not bark or chips) under the surface is a 3 foot of soil, level of sand then rubber with the wood on top to give it a bit of 'spring/suspension' for the horses.

So I (well we all do, but me first!) need boots for this.

My horse is 15.1hh Andalusian stallion, with typical spanish 'boxy' shaped hoofs. He is 14 years old with a small touch of Arthritis and does have wind galls all round after hard work or a long hack.

He should only have to wear them 4-6 times/hours a week (we have 4 shows a week) and I preferably would like to keep his shoes on for when were not on display but don't have a problem if I do need to take them off, (he was bare foot for a year when we lived in England, put them back on because we were doing more jumping and wanted extra grip):)

Any advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[horsy]

Don't think I can be much help, but I have a pair of old macs g2s for my cob, they are fantastic. But I know the old macs tend to be better for good, squarish, cobby type feet, and the boa boots tend to be good for tall slim hooves ie thoroughbred hooves.

Depending on where you are, i would reccomend www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk you can get the different boots on trial before you buy. I got mine from there, great service.

[emrt]

thanks for that, I'm in Spain now, but chances are I will be buying online from a uk website. I'll take alook at that site now :D

[Roofio]

another vote for the saddlery shop - if you measure up his hooves and give them a ring they will help you find the best fit. they were really helpful to me, great service :)

[Stormin]

I second thesaddleryshop - they DO ship to Europe (in 48 hours).
I sent measurements and even piccies - they were very helpful.

[MelanieD]

I got some boots from the saddlery shop as well, they're good. Boas are good for tall upright feet. No boots are recommended for use over shoes, its sometimes possible but using a bigger size to leave room for the shoe, but they wear out very quickly compared to being used on bare feet.

[lachlanandmarcu]

Boas are fantastic, I find the adjustment mechanism a lot easier to do out and about than other boots.:)

[atillathefun]

I read last week somewhere that boots can be used over shoes - I will have a look and see if I can find which one's it was.
ETA - Off the Boa website
http://www.easycareinc.com/Our_Boots/Boa_Horse_Boot/boaboot_faq.aspx

Q. Does wearing Boa Horse Boots™ over iron shoes increase wear on the Boa Horse Boot™?

A. Yes. Although Boa Horse Boots™ can be worn over steel shoes in a variety of situations, wear of the Boa Horse Boot™ is increased when fitted over shoes and will void warranty.

Also off the same website re- easy boots

Easyboots can also be worn in place of steel shoes or even over steel shoes for additional protection, traction and cushioning on rocks and hard ground.