There are a plethora of boots available today. They have come a long way from the original Easy Boot. There are soaking boots, riding boots, and therapy boots. They come in all shapes and sizes. Knowing which one to choose, what size, and "how to put the darn thing on" can be frustrating but with the help of a professional, we can make it an easier process for you and your horse.
Boots can support hooves with deformities too. Just about anything a farrier can do with a shoe a boot can be modified to do the same thing. I am provide sole and frog support with a customized padding system that is just right for your horse. Boots can be used short term or long term. A large advantage of hoof boots is the pressure is released from the sole during flight. Tissue does well under the pressure and release system. This prevents injury from sustained pressure.
Reasons to boot:
To protect the hoof from excessive wear
To protect the hoof from bruising on rocky terrain that it is not used to
To help transition to barefoot
To promote heel first landing by increasing comfort
Booting is a commitment from the owner. Why a boot over a shoe? If you lose a shoe or it becomes loose, you risk the horse stepping on a nail and/or tearing the hoof wall. AND you have to try to get a hold of your farrier, wait (maybe a few days, maybe longer) for him to come out and put it back on. Your horse throws a boot and you inspect for damage and debris, then put it back on. No time was lost and you just reduced the risk of injury to the horse.
According to a recent study using infrared thermography done by Duncan Mclaughlin and Easy Care, Inc. hoof temperature in the shod and unshod were dramatically different. It was found that an average temperature increase of the dorsal hoof wall of a shod horse pre and post endurance ride was 16.1 degrees. Compare this to a booted horse pre and post endurance ride with an average temperature increase of the dorsal hoof wall of 5.2 degrees. Interesting study. This study will challenge the conventional thinking of using shoes. I am going to venture to say that foundered horses will benefit from boots as opposed to shoes. These horses may actually lower the temperature of the hoof and possibly decrease the inflammation by pulling shoes and using boots. Shod horses are less able to dissipate excess energy place upon the hoof and thus an increase in hoof temperature. The restrictive nature of shoes puts hooves in a compromised position.
Reasons NOT to shoe:
stops flexion of the hoof
Suspends the coffin bone
Stresses the hoof wall and all the other structures in the hoof and leg
Poor break over
Increased concussion
Reduces blood flow
Increased pathology of the hoof
Shoeing has its place in the world. However, I am in full support of taking horses barefoot whenever possible. Furthermore, I am in full support of doing what is best for that horse. If a horse has to work, boots are not an option for some reason, and the horse isn't comfortable barefoot, then we should shoe. I am in support of a shoe that has sole support and frog support. NO PERIMETER LOADING PLEASE.
As I explained earlier, tissue does better with pressure then release. Shoeing doesn't provide this. There is constant pressure applied to the hoof when shod. Shoes also cause more trauma to tissues because they immobilize the hoof from flexing to it's fullest potential in all directions. Concussion is exacerbated with shoes. It is coming to light for the possibility that shoeing can lead to navicular sydrome or disease.
Years ago as a farrier, I saw many horses do just fine in shoes, but I also saw many others that could do much better without, which led me to where I am today. What is just fine? It is a biased statement. It is based on one's own experience other than fact. Yes, your horse may be just fine but in reality is he? What is the reason for shoes? Do you understand how shoes limit hoof function and their impact on your horse?
There are many educated farriers providing quality care to the horses they shoe and I respect that. They are appealing to those owners who want shoes on their horses and want "convenience". However, simply putting on a shoe because “the trainer said so”,” that is what I have always done”, “that is what the horse has always had”, “just because", or “he has bad feet” etc. just are not good enough reasons to shoe.
I evaluate the facts about each horse I am asked to work with and help educate the owners about healthy choices for their horses and their hooves.
*This website is for informational use only. The information described is from my experience and observation. It is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, or cure. Always refer to your veterinarian regarding the care of your horse. The information provided is not intended to replace veterinary care.