hoof boot help, hoof boot information, are hoof boots for my horse, what are hoof boots, hoof-boot, hoof-boots
ots are right for
you buy.
Consider hoof
trim. Sometimes,
small changes in
hoof balance, or the
amount of sole or
wall removed will
greatly benefit a
sore-footed horse.
Horses that have
been trimmed too
short need a chance
to grow more sole.
Hoof boots aren’t a
replacement for natural
sole.
Consult the experts.
Many boot advocates argue that circulation
is needed to improve hoof quality and
growth, and that boots make it possible
for horses to exercise without pain. Consult
your veterinarian and farrier, and know the
cause of your horse’s lameness. Don’t ride
an unsound horse.
Monitor your horse’s preference. Some
horses seem to delight in the boots as an alternative
to shoes, while others resent standing
for them to be applied. Still others seem
to object to having anything around their
pasterns and will fidget. Your fidgety horse
may calm down after a few applications, but
monitor him for further reactions rather than
putting yourself in danger.
Don’t force your horse to wear boots if he
seems nervous or uncomfortable. Gradually
Most hoof boots are easy to apply. Click above for a slideshow showing
how to apply Old Mac’s Original Multi Purpose Horse Boots, from
EasyCare Inc.
HorseLink Magazine21
build up wear time until he becomes accustomed
to the feel.
Perform an under-saddle test. A sensitive
rider will know instantly if his or her horse
is surefooted, striding out confidently, and
well-balanced. Try changing leads to see how
smoothly or reluctantly your horse complies.
As you ride, note any signs of fatigue, gait
glitches, and/or abnormal head carriage.
With luck, your horse will join the boot
brigade. If not, horseshoes are available in
new materials and models to accommodate
every horse’s needs.
Fran Jurga is the editor and publisher of
Hoofcare & Lameness: Journal of Equine Foot
Science. Visit the site to view her collection of
helpful articles for horse owners.
Issue 8 2009
nEWS TRaining
EVEnTS
aDVEnTuRES
hEalTh click & Shop hoof iT
hauling
Q&a
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