Hoof Boots at Fjord Competitions?
This message is from: "Gail Russell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Does anyone know how they have/would be treated at Fjord shows/evaluations? Gail The FjordHorse List archives can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw
Re: Hoof Boots
This message is from: Silja Knoll <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have enjoyed the same pair of Boa Boots for the second winter now. My TB/QH mare is also between sizes (2/3) so I bought the bigger pair and depending on her current hoof size I put an 'insole' in the boot. Basically I just bought and cut to size a hoof pad, one a farrier would place between hoof and shoe for bruising, snow, etc. It is working out great. One of the boots seems to slip on occasion, and ONCE one came off, but I found it quickly.(that was before the 'insole") They are pricey, around $130/pair and I got two pairs. But they are lasting so far. I also use the gators, which resemble regular wrap type contraptions with a velcro closure that is very easy to get on and off. I am not saying these things stay on perfectly under all conditions (I do lots of trotting and cantering), but it is better than wintertime shoes, they take less than 3 minutes to put on (that is for all 4 boots) and come off really easy. They aren't perfect, but I like them and would b! uy them again. Good Luck! Happy Trails, Silja Knoll Colorado. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've recently removed Joe's shoes, and we are having a difficult transition period. I've talked to a couple of people from this list, but thought I'd go to a wider audience for their experiences with hoof boots. Here's where we're at now: Davis Barrier Boots - I bought these when they were the only ones I could find immediately in my area. They are only for dire emergencies! These boots fit Joe well, but can only be used for hand walking, and even then, they twist constantly and have to be readjusted very 5 minutes or so. Old Mac's - Joe is between sizes, but is wearing a Size 7 now which is a bit too big but is okay for the time being. I find them to be easy to put on and take off, although adding the pastern wrap makes it a much bigger ordeal. The pastern wrap is a neoprene tube that pulls over the hoof, and it was quite an ordeal to get it on over his hoof, and just as bad taking it off. There is no strap under the wrap - two velco tabs on the side hook onto the velcro of the boot itself. Overall, I think the Old Macs are too big and bulky, get very dirty and icky, and will not be my permanent boot of choice. And although there is no obvious sign of chafing after wearing them for a week during our walks, I don't like the nylon straps that cross at the back of the pastern. I think Joe is trying to bite them off when I remove the boots (or maybe he is trying to bite me to keep me from taking them off in the first place since they help him walk!!) Easyboot Epic - I bought a Size 2 based on Joe's measurements, and absolutely could not get them on. In using a tracing of his hoof, the Size 3 was too large. The gaiter tore off as I tried to put it around his pastern (his pastern is 8" at the narrowest point, 11" at the hock). I hated the cleats, and was kind of bewildered by the entire wire fastening system. Easyboot BOA - this is probably the next boot I will try. My biggest concern is several reports on how the boots rub, like this one _http://www.horsetackreview.com/review-display/1767.html_ (http://www.horsetackreview.com/review-display/1767.html) . My experience with the Easyboot gaiters was not a great one because of his large pastern, so I am not sure gaiters will help with any potential chafing. Marquis - this is the boot that I am most interested in. I like the fit, the way they go on, the construction, the materials, and the concept that an inflatable sac helps fill in any sizing gaps. In fact, the only thing I don't like is that same inflatable sac which requires special equipment to use. If the BOA's don't work out, this is probably the next set I'll try - very pricey ($300), but if they work, then they are worth it. I like that they have a trial program so you can get a pair for a couple of weeks before making a decision. Hoofwings - these "sandal" type boots I like for the concept, ease of use, and the commitment of the company/manufacturer. However, the design would seem to let dirt, rocks, etc. get into the boot. They do make a sock that goes with it. Swissboot - way too much effort and customization for me to tackle at this time, for me and my pleasure riding only pony! Maybe it would be worth it if I was a competition rider, but not for now.
Re: Hoof Boots/barefoot conditioning
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Sun, 12 Feb 2006 11:13:54 EST Subject: Hoof Boots This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've recently removed Joe's shoes, and we are having a difficult transition period. I've talked to a couple of people from this list, but thought I'd go to a wider audience for their experiences with hoof boots. Here's where we're at now: *** Hi Kate- In the struggle to find the best boot, one understands why folks did the iron shoe thing in the first place! Just stick 'em on and you're good to go for 6 weeks... My horses have been barefoot for years, and I have learned that the environment is the most important ingredient for barefoot soundness. When my horses live in clean, dry conditions and are ridden/exercised frequently, they are "sound as a pound" on just about any surface. If they have to stand in mud or urine, or if I take them from a soft pasture to ride on a sharp rocky road, the results are not so great. Don't despair, as it takes a year for a whole new hoof to grow out in a stronger form. I have decided that special hoof trims have little effect. I have studied different styles of trimming, from Strasser-type to your basic farrier pasture trim, and have found that, in the end, the environment will determine the soundness. Of course you need someone with a basic level of competancy who understands the shape of the natural hoof and doesn't remove too much horn or leave too much heel, etc., but beyond that it's up for grabs. I've settled on the Old Mac boots and am pretty happy with them. They are not perfect, but they are easy to put on and they do the job. Now I only have to use them as needed. Brigid
RE: Hoof Boots
This message is from: "Gail Russell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I just did a search on Dallmer Clogs and found this site. http://www.huf-shop.de/deutsch/assets/own/safedataframe.html?fsrc=http://www .huf-shop.de/deutsch/pi355116985.htm?categoryId=11 You will not be able to translate it. If someone who speaks the language (German) can figure out whether they can be ordered and sent to the US, that would be good to know. Have a look and tell us what you think (anyone) about the shape. It looks like a great shape for a Fjord hoof. Most sites say that the company does not respond to them, but this looks like a site where you can actually purchase them for 144 Euros. There is a close up there of a boot with a nice rolled toe. I find the Boas have a pointed toe, and are essentially shaped like hind feet hooves. I read that the G-2 Old Macs are now narrower. Brigit had said that the old ones fit better because they were wider. Sonow the new ones will not fit as well. Not sure whether you can buy the generation one Old Mac's new. The new Old Macs do have a less pointed toe. It seems like one should be able to make their own gaiters along the principles of a hiking sock. The best hiking sock system is a thin inner sock (silk, knitted usually) and a wool knitted outer sock. I wonder if there is a way to make such a thing out of thrift store materials. GAil
RE: Hoof Boots
This message is from: "Gail Russell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> If you go to this site you can get a view of all sides of the Dallmer boot. It looks to me like you would have to put a pad in the bottom, or it would fill up with gravel. Pete Ramey has some system for putting a pad in an Easy Boot that gives the horse's foot frog pressure. This Dallmer is really just a strap on iron shoe in some respects, so using Pete's system would be a closer approximation to a barefoot horse (assuming it would work). http://www.huf-shop.de/english/3d/dallmer-hufschuhe_3d.html
Hoof Boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I've recently removed Joe's shoes, and we are having a difficult transition period. I've talked to a couple of people from this list, but thought I'd go to a wider audience for their experiences with hoof boots. Here's where we're at now: Davis Barrier Boots - I bought these when they were the only ones I could find immediately in my area. They are only for dire emergencies! These boots fit Joe well, but can only be used for hand walking, and even then, they twist constantly and have to be readjusted very 5 minutes or so. Old Mac's - Joe is between sizes, but is wearing a Size 7 now which is a bit too big but is okay for the time being. I find them to be easy to put on and take off, although adding the pastern wrap makes it a much bigger ordeal. The pastern wrap is a neoprene tube that pulls over the hoof, and it was quite an ordeal to get it on over his hoof, and just as bad taking it off. There is no strap under the wrap - two velco tabs on the side hook onto the velcro of the boot itself. Overall, I think the Old Macs are too big and bulky, get very dirty and icky, and will not be my permanent boot of choice. And although there is no obvious sign of chafing after wearing them for a week during our walks, I don't like the nylon straps that cross at the back of the pastern. I think Joe is trying to bite them off when I remove the boots (or maybe he is trying to bite me to keep me from taking them off in the first place since they help him walk!!) Easyboot Epic - I bought a Size 2 based on Joe's measurements, and absolutely could not get them on. In using a tracing of his hoof, the Size 3 was too large. The gaiter tore off as I tried to put it around his pastern (his pastern is 8" at the narrowest point, 11" at the hock). I hated the cleats, and was kind of bewildered by the entire wire fastening system. Easyboot BOA - this is probably the next boot I will try. My biggest concern is several reports on how the boots rub, like this one _http://www.horsetackreview.com/review-display/1767.html_ (http://www.horsetackreview.com/review-display/1767.html) . My experience with the Easyboot gaiters was not a great one because of his large pastern, so I am not sure gaiters will help with any potential chafing. Marquis - this is the boot that I am most interested in. I like the fit, the way they go on, the construction, the materials, and the concept that an inflatable sac helps fill in any sizing gaps. In fact, the only thing I don't like is that same inflatable sac which requires special equipment to use. If the BOA's don't work out, this is probably the next set I'll try - very pricey ($300), but if they work, then they are worth it. I like that they have a trial program so you can get a pair for a couple of weeks before making a decision. Hoofwings - these "sandal" type boots I like for the concept, ease of use, and the commitment of the company/manufacturer. However, the design would seem to let dirt, rocks, etc. get into the boot. They do make a sock that goes with it. Swissboot - way too much effort and customization for me to tackle at this time, for me and my pleasure riding only pony! Maybe it would be worth it if I was a competition rider, but not for now.
Hoof boots
This message is from: "Sam & Sue Banks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have used Old Macs, Boa Boots, original Easy Boots, and Easy Boot Epics on my 2 Fjords. The reason I have used so many is that I ride pretty hard with them conditioning and foxhunting my horses, so certain boots do wear out, rub, or just don't work well under those conditions. Consider your horse's foot shape (round or oval) and the type of riding (fast with turns needs secure fit or slower speed can handle a looser fit), and your own strength and patience quota. Someone asked if just 2 or all 4 feet. I mainly use just the front feet booted. All boots decrease traction compared to barefoot in mud. If I am working along the gravel roads with no shoulder, I do put boots on the hind feet. Follow some of the links on the web site below to learn more about barefoot hoof mechanism, and why back feet are usually "tougher" than front feet (not what we learned years ago). For my summary. Old Macs - easiest to put on, hardest to clean (with clay mud and weeds, the velcro is a mess), poorest durability (I wore a pair out every hunt season with occasional use) but have the roundest shape foot which matches my barefoot Fjords. I get no rubs, but some people report rubbing from the straps. These fit above the hair line. They fit rather loosely to the foot and are bulky, so can increase tripping. The following boots are made by Easy Care, most have parts that can be replaced, and all can take the optional cleats. Boa Boots - medium easy to put on, easy to clean, wear well, neat and easy tightening mechanism. Big disadvantage is that they fit above the hair line (can cause rubs) and they are shaped for a more oval foot. I must over-tighten them to keep them from spinning on my round foot horse under fast conditions, not a good thing, and they are bulky. Original Easy Boots - should be named Hard Boots. The old ones are, again, shaped for a much more oval foot, but have an adjustable strap in the back. Everything fits below the hair line, for me, I have to trim the boots down to get them low enough. There are cleats on the side wall that are pulled into horse's hoof wall by a cable mechanism. I can't recommend them to the average person as they are very hard to get fitted, hard to put on, and the cleats do damage the hoof wall (I wrap the foot with vetwrap multiple times, and I have squashed the cleats down some). Good points, wear very well, many parts can be fixed (unlike the Old Macs), seem to interfere less with my horse's natural movement than the previous 2 boots. Easy Boot Epics - My first choice now. The Easy Boot's shape has been changed somewhat (and see below exerpt, it may be changed again in the future) to a more round hoof shape, the heel strap and cleat system is slightly changed, and comes with a rubber cover for the cleats, this cover will not fall off. Still harder to put on than OM or Boas, I have been using my boots with the cleat cover on, it is bulky and a little harder to get on than without it, but the whole boot opens up better than old Easy Boots, and no more gouges in the hoof wall. The best part is the new gaitor, it covers the heel bulbs and wraps around the pastern. This has really helped stabilize the boot with my horses' round feet, and I have read below some people are even removing the heel strap, and able to keep the boots on - I don't think this will work with my horse's round feet yet. My horses move very well in these boots. The following exerpt if from web site http://www.hoofrehab.com/end_of_white_line_disease.htm#Updates - Pete Ramey. Scroll down the page to find articles about Boa Boots and Easy Boot Epics. = Added September '05 Easyboot Epics Well, Garrett has outdone his own Boa boot with the new Epics. When he first told me he had designed a boot that outperforms the Boas, I was very excited until I saw them. I was disappointed to see that this "new" superboot was just an old Easyboot with a gaiter attached. "That's not new", I said! I was so wrong. The gaiter stabilizes the boot so well, we don't need the rear straps, the teeth or the tight fit that was necessary with the Easyboots. I almost always use a razor knife to remove the rear straps and the tooth covers, then use pliers to squash the teeth flat. This usually makes a smaller boot size fit the hoof. I have also found that the tongue of the boot usually hits the coronet, so I trim about 5/8 inch off the tongue of the boot with a razor knife as well. The result is an incredibly stable, light, compact boot that is very user friendly. The big advantage is that all of the rigid parts fall below the coronet. They are less likely to "rub" than anything I have used. Garrett plans to have a new model out very soon that is even lower profiled and has these changes already made
Re: Which horse boots to buy?
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have not ridden with horse boots, but recently used the Boa Boots on my 30 year old Fjord gelding to get him through the "Frozen Lumpy ground" stage here. We had a lot of rain which turned the corrals into a muddy mess, then it froze, creating a jumble of frozen "rocks" and lumps! 30 year old Bjarne has had his shoes off since last spring, after wearing shoes continuously for 13 years (hoof problems) and just got trimmed a few days before things froze up.. He was just stumbling around in the frozen "rocks" and was hesitant to even move. I put the new Boa boots on his front feet and the change was amazing.. he was soon moving as well as the other Fjords. I left the boots on for three days straight..which is not recommended, and finally decided I just HAD to take them off for at least a couple hours while he was in the stall eating his breakfast. His hooves were wet and stinky (I had not been able to clean off all the dirt when I put them on) but otherwise just fine, no rubbing at all. Since we had some snow to smooth the ground out a bit I let him out of the stall with no boots to see that he was now fine, his feet didn't bother him any more..His hooves dried off and looked normal. Granted, He didn't trot or move around a more than a walk but with the rough frozen ground and ice, the boots performed well, gave enough traction, and didn't rub. They were very easy to put on and take off and were secure even while he stumbled around through the "ice Boulders." I used the Size 3 Boas on Bjarne but just bought a pair of size 4 for my big gelding Bjorken, as I had his shoes taken off this fall also, and hope to keep him shoeless if I can. I know that there has been a lot of discussion of boots on the CD-L and the Recreation Equine Driving list and Barb Lee uses the Easy boots on her morgans . The new Easy boots have been redesigned to be easier to put on and many folks really like them. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, cloudy and mile, 30 degrees this morning, will reach 40 today. I >I want to have a set of boots on hand to use and wanted some advice. >Do people just use them on the front or on front and back? The boots >I have read about are: Easyboots, Easyboot Epic, Boa Boots, Old Mac's >Boots, Swiss Horse Boots, Marquis Hoof Boot. I'd love to hear from >anyone who has used any of these successfully or unsuccessfully. >We will not be doing endurance rides, climbing up and down rocky >slopes or going on paved roads. We will be on hard packed dirt roads >and hopefully trails in county parks. > >Thanks in advance for your advice. >-- >Genie Dethloff >Ann Arbor, Michigan
Re: Which horse boots to buy
This message is from: Lori Lemley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have been using the same pair of Swiss Boots for two years now and they are holding up great. My mare has never lost one, and we ride over a variety of terrain - sharp gravel along the Buffalo National River, muddy creek bottoms, boulders, quartz gravel in the Ouachitas - we love our Swiss Boots! -- Lori Lemley 98 Pine Valley Drive Conway, AR 72034 USA Home: 501-470-0967 Cell: 501-412-8128 Fax: 501-470-0968 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Genie's : Which horse boots to buy?
This message is from: "M. Denmark" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I have 5 Fjords and mine are all barefoot. I too have been thinking about temporary boots for those really rocky roads as you couldn't pay me to go through the hassle of shoes ever again. Here is the website for Hoofwings that are used by Martha Olivo, the lady who trains many of the barefoot trimmers in the US. I figure if she likes them for her horse they ought to be good. If you take the plunge and buy some boots I hope you'll let the rest of us know how they do for you.Take a look: http://horsneaker.com/hoofwings.htmI know that many folks love the Horsneakers for their semi custom fit, too. Here is Martha Olivo's site also with much good information to think about on barefoot horses: http://www.marthaolivo.com/index.htm Hope this is useful. Milli Ann Magnolia, TX -- Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 09:32:57 -0400 From: Genie Dethloff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Which horse boots to buy? This message is from: Genie Dethloff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Congratulations to all who have been going on great fall rides and drives and thanks for sharing your exoeriences. Finne and I walked down the country road by our barn for the first time yesterday and he was great. I hope to get out and do lots more road riding now that the bugs are gone and the heat is down. Finne is barefoot and has been his whole life and has beautiful feets (his farrier loves them!) but the roads can get pretty hard and rocky. I want to have a set of boots on hand to use and wanted some advice. Do people just use them on the front or on front and back? The boots I have read about are: Easyboots, Easyboot Epic, Boa Boots, Old Mac's Boots, Swiss Horse Boots, Marquis Hoof Boot. I'd love to hear from anyone who has used any of these successfully or unsuccessfully. We will not be doing endurance rides, climbing up and down rocky slopes or going on paved roads. We will be on hard packed dirt roads and hopefully trails in county parks. Thanks in advance for your advice. - -- Genie Dethloff Ann Arbor, Michigan
Re: Which horse boots to buy?
This message is from: Lauren Sellars <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> What would the average size of mac boots be for your fjordies. Do you think I could use a pair on several simalar sized fjords. Just wondering if I shoe 3 horses or try these boots. Also where is the best place to buy them? Riding gets more serious here in everybodies off season. we are alittle backwards. Everyone else is pulling shoes off. And I am think ing of putting them on. Thank you. Lauren Cheryl wrote: This message is from: "Cheryl" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Genie, I use Old Mac's. We trail ride ..through water ,mud ,gravel you name it. They take half a second to put on ,they don't rub anywhere ,they don't fall off. I LOVE them!!! I put them on the fronts only because my mare is tender footed on the gravel. Cheryl Gioia, Owner Joy A Fine Fjords http://www.finefjords.com
Ref boots
This message is from: M Korose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi List In response to the boots question We have successfully used Old Mac boots for driving. We have used them in a small show, no problem. We have even used them to cover both front feet when we lost a shoe on one and still had the other, used the Old Macs on both fronts (1 still with shoe) and continued on with the show. I have used them on one horse in a pair and not the other, didn't get any interference. Watch the inserts tho. I have pretty large sizes (5/6) and they seem to be a bit too wide, but when we put in inserts, the horse brushed the inside backs so much, we wore off a strap. I asked a judge about them as I was using them to protect one horse's poor feet (usually shoes, but fixing a problem at the time) and they were pretty non-committal. We received no penalties. I know Muffy Seaton used them for awhile and we had her advice too. We keep a couple pairs in the trailer now for emergencies. Horses who wore them seemed to accept them with no problems or worries (they were Fjords after all!) Marsha in VA
Which horse boots to buy?
This message is from: "Cheryl" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Genie, I use Old Mac's. We trail ride ..through water ,mud ,gravel you name it. They take half a second to put on ,they don't rub anywhere ,they don't fall off. I LOVE them!!! I put them on the fronts only because my mare is tender footed on the gravel. Cheryl Gioia, Owner Joy A Fine Fjords http://www.finefjords.com
Which horse boots to buy?
This message is from: Genie Dethloff <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Congratulations to all who have been going on great fall rides and drives and thanks for sharing your exoeriences. Finne and I walked down the country road by our barn for the first time yesterday and he was great. I hope to get out and do lots more road riding now that the bugs are gone and the heat is down. Finne is barefoot and has been his whole life and has beautiful feets (his farrier loves them!) but the roads can get pretty hard and rocky. I want to have a set of boots on hand to use and wanted some advice. Do people just use them on the front or on front and back? The boots I have read about are: Easyboots, Easyboot Epic, Boa Boots, Old Mac's Boots, Swiss Horse Boots, Marquis Hoof Boot. I'd love to hear from anyone who has used any of these successfully or unsuccessfully. We will not be doing endurance rides, climbing up and down rocky slopes or going on paved roads. We will be on hard packed dirt roads and hopefully trails in county parks. Thanks in advance for your advice. -- Genie Dethloff Ann Arbor, Michigan
turnout boots
This message is from: "Lois Berenyi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I'm wondering if any of you use boots for turnout for your Fjords. Presently my mare is turned out with two large warmblood mares and there is a certain amount of combat going on. My mare has already acquired several cuts on her lower hind legs and I thought it might be a good idea to give her some protection. I know when I bought boots for my Friesian I had a problem getting them wide enough around but not too long from top to bottom. I suspect the same problem may exist with the Fjord leg dimensions. If anyone has found one brand to fit better than others I would appreciate knowing about it. Thanks. Lois Berenyi who just got brushed by Ophelia in coastal NC
Re: Boots and harness
This message is from: "jgayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I thought I had made a great find while searching for boots for my "big foot". But I believe the name has been on here before. Chimacum Tack Shop in Chimacum, WA. 888 846 9822, Janie and David Amdal? I found them so knowledgeable and despite both being sick with the flue they researched my problem and hopefully we have found the right boot. Janie said they have made a lot of harness for fjords, drafts and minis. I was pleased with their trusting and nice behavior. They are sending the boot out Mon. to arrive Tues. Jean Gayle Author "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 46-49 Send $20 to: PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
RE: Horse Boots
This message is from: "Karen Keith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Jennie. Here's a website that allows people to buy/sell/swap hoof boots of all kinds. It also has links to a bunch of different hoof boot manufacturers. http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/boot_swap.htm I'm using Old Macs on my mare this year, just on the front so far. I like them so far. I've seen the Boa boots at an equine expo and liked the look of them. They're a bit lower profile than the Old Macs. Good luck with Bonnie. Karen Keith _ Smart Saving with ING Direct earn 5.25% p.a. variable rate: http://ad.au.doubleclick.net/clk;7249209;8842331;n?http://www.ingdirect.com.au/burst6offer.asp?id=8
Horse Boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] There are tons of brands of these boots. And I know that more you pay for them the better. But as a temporary thing, can I get away with buying the cheaper ones? Has anyone used the Easyboot? Or the Davis Boot? I don't really know that I have the extra funds to buy anything more expensive. Bonnie seems to be doing much better today. I did not bute her, as I don't see the need today. She is still slow, but she is not limping. And sometimes I think that slowness is just her laziness? She can be that way sometimes, even when feeling good. I took some profile pics of her actual hoofs last nite, along with a pic of the soles on the front. I will put them on my site sometime today. Jennie & Ali & Bonnie & Gang http://fjordbonnie.tripod.com [demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Winter .jpg]
Re: boots
This message is from: "Monica Spencer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> My farrier was telling me about the Marquis boots last month - he likes them a lot but doesn't have any customers using them yet. I use Old Macs, and love them. My only complaints are that on some horses they will twist and rub unless you use socks, and that they're a little fussy to get on (way easier than Easyboots, though!) I'm told that the Marquis are quicker to get on and off, which would be a nice plus, and they're a little less bulky looking, but I'm not ready to give up my Old Macs just yet. Monia in Nelson, BC
Re: boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Carol- I've heard of the marquis boots, but haven't seen them up close. As more people ride and drive their horses shoeless, a better variety of boots are manufactured. Most users of Easy Boots have the same complaints: if adjusted too tightly the clamps bruise the foot, if adjusted too loosely the boots fall off. Old Mac boots are gaining in popularity because they are so easy to use. Swiss Boots are supposed to be good quality, but they have to be custom fit, preferably by someone who knows what they are doing ;-) / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA www.Brigid.Clickryder.com
boots
This message is from: "Carol J. Makosky" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Good Morning List, I noticed a new (to me) boot advertised in Equus magazine today called Marquis Supergrip hoof boots. Has anyone tried these or does anyone use them? They are really pricey, but worth it if they do all the maker claims. I am becoming concerned about driving on asphalt most of the time and would like to start using something with some cushion on Heidi's feet. She is coming on 14 now and I would like to start some preventative things for her before a problem happens. She is my only horse and thus is used almost everyday, but just for pleasure driving. But I don't walk down the road all the time. The website is : for anyone wanting to check it out. I should mention that I do have easy boots, but do not like the points on each side that help keep them on. They are OK for occasional use, but not everyday. -- Built Fjord Tough Carol M. On Golden Pond N. Wisconsin
Re: Old Mac Boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 10/8/2003 4:56:33 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I took my Fjord "Ben" trail riding on Sunday. He had just had his feet trimmed on Friday night. Never thought much about him having tender feet as Fjords are known for their hard feet...(just ask my farrier!!). Ben did very well on gravel and dirt trails but started getting "ouchy" when attempting to climb hills with rock outcroppings. Hi Teresa- Hard feet they do have, but not immediately after trimming ;-) It isn't a bad idea to use boots for a day or two after trimming on harder rides. Also good to take them along on rides in rough territory, so you won't have to turn back as you did. / )_~ /L/L Brigid Wasson SF Bay Area, CA www.Brigid.Clickryder.com
Old Mac Boots
This message is from: "windago" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello list. I took my Fjord "Ben" trail riding on Sunday. He had just had his feet trimmed on Friday night. Never thought much about him having tender feet as Fjords are known for their hard feet...(just ask my farrier!!). Ben did very well on gravel and dirt trails but started getting "ouchy" when attempting to climb hills with rock outcroppings. Needless to say, we turned around and headed home to the trail head. One of ladies riding with me uses Old Mac boots on her Spotted Saddle horse. She told me that I could try her Old Macs and see if Ben did better on the gravel. I put the "Mac's" on Ben that evening when we got back to the barn. We walked him around to see how he would react. He "may" have picked his feet up a little more, but basically he just looked at me as if to say "Yeah, no big deal. Now what?" So much for excitable Fjords!!I put the boots back on him yesterday and rode down the gravel driveway and through the arena where there is still some tall grass. He did just fine.like he had been doing it forever!So, to the Valley Vet catalog we went and today received Ben's very own set of Old Mac boots. Now, to break the boots in and get Ben ready for his "big" trail ride next weekend. Teresa F. Missouri
Re: Old Mac boots for Fjords
This message is from: Janine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello there, my name is Janine and I own 2 fjords. I have had shoes put onmy mare in the past for several reasons but when I bought my stallion his feet were horrible and I needed to trim him every week just to bring the hoof back to the proper shape. ( Lorens was used and neglected on a PMU farm in Alberta where his feet were done every 6 months or so.) His hooves are almost perfect now but during the reshaping process he had very sensitive toes so I purchaced a pair of Old Macs only after my ferrier recomended them. I have not had one complaint nor have the 3 other horses at my boarding farm that use them almost daily. My boy walks out with confidence now on rough ground and rocks and the size he takes is a 6 even though he is the drafty type of fjord. The best bet it to measure for fit using the guide lines set by the manufacturer and make sure they are snug when you go out and I ber you'll love them too. l Message - From: "Eileen Perry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2002 12:50 PM Subject: Old Mac boots for Fjords > This message is from: Eileen Perry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hello, > I'm wondering if any of you use Old Mac Shoes for your Fjords? I'm trying to decide if my filly can work with the second largest size, or if she needs the (gulp) largest size shoe. > > Eileen in eastern WA
Re: Old Mac boots for Fjords
This message is from: "Deanna Vaughn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Eileen, I ordered a pair of the (gulp) large size Old Macs for my gelding, but found that I had not measured his foot correctly. I was able to send them back, thank goodness. My advice is to measure the foot precisely as Old Mac recommends. Those big ones are QUITE large! I know a couple of people (not FJord owners) who have used them and loved them. I'm going to give them a try again - soon. Good Luck Deanna From: Eileen Perry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Subject: Old Mac boots for Fjords Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 12:50:34 -0700 This message is from: Eileen Perry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello, I'm wondering if any of you use Old Mac Shoes for your Fjords? I'm trying to decide if my filly can work with the second largest size, or if she needs the (gulp) largest size shoe. Eileen in eastern WA _ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
Old Mac boots for Fjords
This message is from: Eileen Perry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello, I'm wondering if any of you use Old Mac Shoes for your Fjords? I'm trying to decide if my filly can work with the second largest size, or if she needs the (gulp) largest size shoe. Eileen in eastern WA
Easy Boots
This message is from: "Krist Martinsen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To introduce myself, my name is Krist Martinsen and we have fjord horses for nine years. We purchased two from Canada when we lived on Orcas Island. We moved to Stanwood, WA in 1997. I enjoy driving our mare, Bjorke and gelding, Per. Our mare produced a colt last May and we have been busy working with him. (The stallion was Anne Appleby's Misha). We would enjoy a visit from anyone who happens to be in our area. Re discussion on Easy Boots, as was pointed out, many people have trouble with them - perhaps by not making the adjustments given in the directions. I've been using them for seven years and have found that the boot needs to be cut down low in the heel as the inner strap is what holds the boot on. When starting to put the boot on, I make sure to push the toe of the horse deep and below barbs into boot. That way the foot makes less contact with barbs in boot. I also flatten barbs really well with vice grips. Putting a strap on inside back strap helps pull on a boot that is really tight. I have a large screwdriver in the grooming box that I pop boot off by putting it in by barbs and twisting off. I can usually put all four on in five minutes - practice does help. Odometer on cart reads over 2000 miles and the #2 boots on front are all still good. The back boots are #1s and probably would have lasted that long on our mare but our gelding drags his toes so he wears the toes out on pavement. Horses are driven on gravel and hard surfaced roads. Boots are probably not suited for riding in mud or deep sand because material will pack into the boot. For Sale: Studebaker Buggy - Excellent condition -all parts for driving single or a pair. $3500. Krist Martinsen [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Old Mac boots
This message is from: "Dagrun Aarsten" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Old Mac's are a bit spendy -- found them in the Valley Vet catalog > recently for $145, item #27604 -- but they look like they would work > nicely. I wonder if they go on with less struggle than Easy Boots. Any > comments about that from your friends, Brigid? Hi DeeAnna, being one of Brigid's mentioned friends that uses easyboots, I can tell you what I think: Tinn that I ride gets sore on gravel and on hard ground, plus his feet seem to wear down very fast, so we use Old Mac boots on him when riding (and driving) outside the arena. They ARE a bit big and bulky, and I guess they change the breakover point of the hoof somewhat. (I have never tried the easyboot, I thought it looked nice but people say it's very hard to get on and falls off easily...) Once they The Old Macs give instant relief to sore hooves/soles. Quinn, who usually has feet hard as rock and doesn't need boots, jerked his foot away when being trimmed and caught the farrier's nippers in his sole, making a cut and bleeding a little. It didn't get infected or anything but his sole was (and still is) a little tender, I could see a slight lameness and "hesitation" at the trot (but that didn't stop him from galloping around...). Then I put on Tinn's Old Macs and he got his strong, powerful trot back instantly and didn't hesitate to canter with me on his back for a second. Old Macs are easy to get on and have an "interior" strap plus velcro and buckles on the outside. They don't have a chance of falling off. One of ours has a buckle missing and it still stays on, even through mud. I was worried they would rub the horse's hair off, but once I had to put them on wet feet (rub easier) and then went for a 3-hour trail ride and Tinn showed no discomfort and no rubbing. Might be different if you have a tender-skinned TB or something :-) I guess they might rub if used for hours every day, I usually don't ride Tinn more than once or twice a week, so I wouldn't know. The horses (fjords) accept them without any fuzz, and seem happy to get support when walking on gravel. If your horse walks "narrow" I guess they might interfere with the movement a little. Tinn has also tripped a couple of times, when he gets excited by something and "forgets" he is wearing boots. Took him a little while to learn to lift his feet properly. Quinn did it instantly, though, never tripped even once. Might vary from horse to horse. I guess they're worth their price. Tinn's were bought used, and have lasted a year and the sole doesn't look worn out. However, they are a bit "tired" and I suspect they're slightly small for him, so some stiches on the back are opening up. If you make sure you buy them big enough I am sure they would last 6 months even with almost daily use. What else...they are easy to put on, can be opened completely and partly "custom fit" with the velcro. They wash out nicely, I just hose them off after going through mud and leave them to dry. The leather straps on the outside get slightly dry but not bad. Oh, and I might mention that we only use them on the front hooves - back hooves are usually stronger and carry less weight so usually they can go "bare". Hope some of this information is useful? Never tried them in "winter conditions" - they would grip excellent in snow but not on ice. Dagrun PS: Here's a link: www.oldmacs.com.au
Re: My leg is so swollen I can't get into my cowboy boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hi Sue, I understand the swollen ankle/feet thing. Due to 2 different ankle
injuries my feet went form size 5'swide to one foot is a 6 extrawide the
other 6and half extrawide.
The boots I have found that work best for me are Ariat's that lace up, I
have both their work boots and their paddock boots. Being on my feet all day
at the barn these are the first boots that actually are orthopedic for my
feet and I can get on because they lace.I do rearrange the laces keeping an
open space over the instep which gives me a little extra space since neither
foot bends correctly. They are extra wide too. Of course I need to buy the
six and a half. They are very comfortable and used with half chaps would be
okay in classes. I just explain my "disability" if a judge comments.
One other thing that has helped with the swelling is accupuncture. I
REALLY wish I had gotten started with it when the original injuries happened.
I know it would have helped. I took a friend to my "needle lady" after she
had sprained her ankle. She walked in on crutches and walked out tenatively
on her own. I KNOW it works.
If you know anyone who does laser therapy on horses that would help also.
Good luck, Robyn in MD where we are all looking for Dorothy..
Re: My leg is so swollen I can't get into my cowboy boots
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> How far into your foot does the swelling go? My guess is, all the way into the instep? I sympathize! I have naturally wide feet and a high instep, and only in the last few years have I actually been able to buy shoes that fit. "Sadly" my mother owned a prescription children's shoe business, so I was never allowed to become accustomed to cramming my feet into too-narrow shoes. I cannot wear riding boots at alllive in my Blundstones (and even they are a bit small) and have no idea what I will do if I ever have to wear "respectable" riding boots. Hmmmjust had a thought for something that would be a little unconventional, but might at least be comfy. I have felt shoes for my mother that are designed for people with severe foot edema. They velcro across the top. I think she has to wear the men's sizes, but at least they are not so big and clunky that she trips over her feet. Adding "half-chaps" in a large size over that might give you something comfy and akin to riding boot. Downsidethough..now that I say it...is no heel to prevent a foot going thru the stirrup. You would have to add peacock stirrups or some other kind of safety stirrup, most of which are not designed for western saddles. The other problems are that the felt would absorb manure odors, and they would not be the best protection from foot crushing. Not perfect...but comfy. If you want sources for the felt shoes, let me know. I have a vague recollection of seeing some gadget online, or somewhere, that was designed to promote return circulation from the leg. Probably quakery...and probably not designed for the deep vein thrombosis problem. It was some kind of wrap thing. Anyway...not much helpbut I hope you at least know we are thinking of you! Gail 09:38 AM 5/3/2002 -0700, you wrote: >This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Poor Sue, I know the usual, keep your leg elevated (how can you ride with >one leg up in the air?), take diuretics and dismount every twenty minutes, >have the leg tattooed so attention is drawn to the drawings and not the >size, or slit the cowboy boot open down the back seam and add elastic (this >one is too reasonable but I did this to my English boots as I "matured"), >and of course, break the other ankle so the legs match. Just trying to be >helpful! Jean > > > > > > > >Jean Walters Gayle >[Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" >Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] >http://users.techline.com/jgayle >Send $20 >Three Horses Press >PO Box 104 >Montesano, WA 98563 > > > Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: My leg is so swollen I can't get into my cowboy boots
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Poor Sue, I know the usual, keep your leg elevated (how can you ride with one leg up in the air?), take diuretics and dismount every twenty minutes, have the leg tattooed so attention is drawn to the drawings and not the size, or slit the cowboy boot open down the back seam and add elastic (this one is too reasonable but I did this to my English boots as I "matured"), and of course, break the other ankle so the legs match. Just trying to be helpful! Jean Jean Walters Gayle [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 To 1949 ] http://users.techline.com/jgayle Send $20 Three Horses Press PO Box 104 Montesano, WA 98563
Re: My leg is so swollen I can't get into my cowboy boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 5/3/02 5:39:28 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Sue, you've got your hands full. I can't help at all with the medical stuff, but have a suggestion about boots. Can you wear regular paddock boots? Ariat makes some that have elastic in the ankle. Just a thought. If you are able to ride, and just not fitting into your boots is a problem, that could be a fix. Best of luck getting the swelling down. Pamela
My leg is so swollen I can't get into my cowboy boots
This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Good morning everybody.I hope someone can give me some advice. As most of you probably remember, I broke my ankle, dislocated it and detached the inside main ligament last Oct 29th. Well...what a winter we have had. Randy came down with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. He has just completed his Chemo and now is facing 4 weeks of radiation. But he is doing very well. It looks as if everything is under control. As for me, well I was diagnosed with D.V.T. on February 05th in that injured leg...and I CANNOT get into my cowboy boots. My upper calf is s swollen. Do any of you know if I will ever be able to have a normal sized leg? I cannot ride a horse this wayand Storm is out there waiting to be despoiled! Wah.calm me down.I am getting exasperated, disgusted and yes my friendsjust plain dad -blamed nasty!! My foot wardrobe consists of two pairs of men size extra width sneakers, one pair of sandals and oh yes mustn't forget my wonderful mens hiking boots! Forget my barn bootsriding bootsgrr. ( And I will look so wonderful in shorts...with my leg shaped like a peg.) Have any of you had this type of injury with resulting Deep Vein Thrombosis ? (Blood clots). Is there anything at all I can do to get the swelling down? I have been waiting for two months out of the three I have been on Warfarin (first I had Lovenox by needle in my stomach) to see the orthapedic surgeon and the earliest I can see him is May 14th. I am seeing an Internal medicine dr. next week to see if I can give up the Warfarin. I am getting charlie horses in that leg and sometimes in the other one. I just wondered if any of you have had hands-on experience. Ok ok I will quit complaining...at least I can walk so long as I don't step on a rock or any rough ground. Storm is now a three year old and stands 13.3 hh. Wonder how tall he will get, or is he about done growing? He turned 3 in April and is a lovely mannered gelding. Remember what a tyrant he was when he was little? Gelding sure gave him an attitude adjustment. He is a very nice boy nowbut don't know how he will take to weight on his back. Our weather has been cold and rainy.we are sure paying for our mild winter. The horses keep rolling in the mud...sure will be glad when everything dries up. It does look like the haycrop will get a good start. Congrats to all of you with new foals. Nothing like new babies in the spring. Well take care everyone and have a nice day, Sue (Desert Storm's mom)
Re: Blundstone (not blunderstone!) Boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi I was very interested in these boots as my feet are wide and they have been getting very cold this winter even with two pair of socks. Are these boots warm? I have checked out the site and the means of measuring the foot for sizing. The ad does state that these boots may be on the large size. Have you learned anything from buying for yourself about the sizing of these boots that might help me. I usually wear a wide-width, if I can get it, in a size 8 1/2. Also, are these boots as comfortable to ride in as say zip-up jodhpurs. Many Thanks. Mary Harvey
Re: Blundstone (not blunderstone!) Boots
This message is from: Mariposa Farm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Apparently, not too many people in Australia have size 13 feet! The Bush Walking Boot looks great but it's not available in my size... booo Mark Vivian Creigh wrote: > This message is from: Vivian Creigh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Here is the Blundstone site in Australia. $54 for Classics. Shipping is $22 > so a nice saving. We have all had very good success with these people. > > > http://www.paradisefootwear.com/blundstone/brown.htm
Re: Blundstone (not blunderstone!) Boots
This message is from: Vivian Creigh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Here is the Blundstone site in Australia. $54 for Classics. Shipping is $22 so a nice saving. We have all had very good success with these people. > http://www.paradisefootwear.com/blundstone/brown.htm
Blundstone (not blunderstone!) Boots
This message is from: Steve and Mary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> As a Blundstone veteran (been wearing them since 1995 or so) I'd just as soon get in touch with the originators of them on this side of the world. They are in New Hampshire and their website is here: http://www.blundstoneusa.com I talked with the owner of the company back then and she told me the story: Her daughter was a competitive hunter jumper and was in Australia and found these boots. She started importing them and they became the sole (ha) rep for the USA. She told me where to find them here. They aren't all that expensive- I buy mine for about 150.00. Here in Ann Arbor MI that's pretty good for decent shoes! My feet are worth a lot more than that. You should never buy cheap shoes. Mary Dixon Ann Arbor MI
Re: Lynda Bailey's comments re Training & Selling - Also, Blunderstone boots
This message is from: Arthur and Carol Rivoire <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello and Happy New Year to everyone from Carol Rivoire at Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia - We've been away to New England on our annual Christmas vacation, and have just returned. We took our unbelievably good dog, Champ, with us, and as a result of visiting and staying with family and friends in three states, his reputation as "Champie the Wonder Dog" is even more firmly established. I've been skimming all the Digests that I missed, and was particularly impressed by Lynda Bailey's comments on "Push Button Fjords- I agree entirely . . . Forget about so-called push button Fjords. It's a ridiculous concept in my opinion. Fjords are much too intelligent to be Push Button Horses. Fjordhorses will "work with you", rather than "perform" for you. Lynda is right when she says a new owner should spend a week or so working with her horse on the ground. It's time well spent. It gives both horse and new owner a chance to learn about each other, and this is vital. How can the horse be expected to perform if he hasn't understood the cues? And on the other side, the owner needs to learn what cues to give her new horse, and how best to give them. --- Anything else is unfair to the horse, who is, afterall, less intelligent than the human. We've learned over the years (23 of them) that no matter what anyone might tell you about the horse's training, which may or may not be true, the best, smartest, and safest thing to do when you get a new horse, is to work the horse on the ground starting with leading. If the horse, indeed, was well-trained and worked well for his past owner, it was because they knew each other well, a relationship established over time. Therefore, it's not fair to expect the same behavior with a new owner . . . at least not right away. There's no such thing as a Push Button Fjord. This concept may possibly work with other breeds, but in my opinion, only if the horse has been trained to the point of being Brain Dead. Fjords don't work that way, in our experience. They're much too intelligent. They work "with" people, not "perform" for them as a machine. Lynda's advice is good! Please don't even think about riding or driving your new horse until he's settled in, and you've done considerable work with him on the ground. It's the only way to establish a working relationship. Bob van Bon of the Dutch Fjord Studbook told us a long time ago that a horse needs time to settle into a new home, and it matters little if the move has been to another farm in the same town, or across the ocean. Best Regards, Carol Rivoire BLUNDERSTONE BOOTS - I also LOVE these boots!! They are by far the best pair of boots I've ever owned. They are comfortable, but still supporting, and the sole is marvelous. I can walk on rocks and not feel a thing. I used them all last summer for barn work, riding, and gardening. Every once in a while I saddlesoaped and oiled them a bit. They look and feel great! They're expensive, but very good value. Vivian, I deleted the Digest with the Blunderstone email address. Can you send it again? While I'd willingly buy another pair at retail, a discount would be nice. Regards, Carol Carol and Arthur Rivoire Beaver Dam Farm Fjords II R.R. 7 Pomquet Antigonish County Nova Scotia B2G 2L4 902 386 2304 http://www.beaverdamfarm.com
Riding boots
This message is from: "Sue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi allwell thanks to everyone for the information on the riding boots. I went into the Blundstone boot site.(Thanks Vivian for that boot site. I have it bookmarked for later.) I like the looks of the lace up bootshowever I was told by my doctor that my ankle and foot will remain swollen till at least next fall and maybe always so I guess now is not the time to buy new riding boots. I hated to hear that Robyn, but I did suspect that I might have to look forward to permanently changing my shoe size. I went to town yesterday and bought a pair of size 7 mens winter hiking boots. I knew better than to even go to the womens section. ): My new sneakers are also men's. Good thing my left foot is naturally larger than the right...so the new footware fits it as well. I do have a beautiful new pair of Prospecter cowbow boots (for dressing up) and I will just throw the biggest tantrum ever if I cannot get this wretched club of a foot in them! Someone from here sent me a site for the side step safety stirrup. I really intend on getting a set. Has anyone in here used them? Poor StormI haven't been able to go visit him or trim his mane. However he and the other two are well taken care of by my 21 year old son. If and when it warms up I am headed for the barn scissors in hand. I can finally get my husbands barn boots on and think I just might get to the barn again soon. We bought a light driving harness at an aution in September. We had it on Storm a few times before I got hurt and Randy took sick. I can't wait for spring when hopefully we will be all better and raring to go. We should be better I reckon by fiddlehead time.(: Well catch ya all later, Sue in N.B. (Desert Storm;s mom)
Boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have very wide, very small feet so needless to say the boot industry has not been real interested. Also I need a lot of arch support as I am on my feet many hours a day at the Barn. What I have found works best for me after a million is Ariats. Yes, they are expensive but with a little care and oil they last me awhile. They have many types other than the pretty riding paddock boots. I use their winter workboot (still has a heel to ride) now and for summer their regular workboot. With soft socks (a brand name that is wonderfully warm but not thick) I've found they are great. For Sue fair warning I've done major damage several times to both ankles and your feet never return to the original size. I originally wore a size 5 now one foot is a 6 and the other a 6 and half. Robyn in MD where the cold for us is here but no snow
" These boots are made for walking ...."
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 4/28/01 12:58:46 PM Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Why bother shoeing them at all? I have never put shoes on any of mine in 14 yr. It takes about 30 mi. on gravel before they get tender. When I had bigger horses I kept them shod because they needed them. Most fjords have tough feet. Just keep them trimmed. >> Just in the spirit of disagreement here I trim all mine who are standing around for the most part, being worked at home in the arena or round pen. I have also tried for years to leave mine barefoot in the winter, but have a few who even require shoes then, as we have time for the most part, due to fair weather,worked them during the colder months. I have never been able to get away with leaving mine barefoot while out driving, riding ect. They go " off " withen a few miles, even quicker on rocks or gravel roads. I wish it was not so, as my farrier bill is grand, but so be it. The pair I use for showing is always shod, also 2 more here who are getting ready for lots of road work. Most people who actually use their Fjords for daily or almost daily work require them wearing shoes, evidenced by all the Fjords we show with in the summer. Wish it wernt so...Just IMHO, of course. ( BTW, the ones running barefoot seem to hold up better than other breeds we have owned however, like the QH's and Paints who couldnt take a step without shoes. ) Lisa Pedersen * 74 here today, bright and sunny.
disposable boots
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> NASCO has plastic tie boots, over the shoe plastic boots. Packed 50 per box. in several thicknesses, from $7.20 to $12.00 per box, depending on thickness (3 mil to 6 mil) also disposable coveralls They also have the lightweight black rubber slip-over boots, for about $16.15, and PVC "workbrutes" for $11.15 a pair. web site: http://www.enasco.com Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sunny after 3-4 inches of snow yeaterday. +20 degrees. >I did a search on Google for disposable overshoes... (when at work, even >disposable overshoes are an exciting change 'o pace!!) > >There are allot of them out there to choose from folks!! Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Disposable boots
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> This was originally from Jean Ernest. > >NASCO has plastic tie boots, over the shoe plastic boots. Packed 50 per >box. in several thicknesses, from $7.20 to $12.00 per box, depending on >thickness (3 mil to 6 mil) also disposable coveralls > >They also have the lightweight black rubber slip-over boots, for about >$16.15, and PVC "workbrutes" for $11.15 a pair. >web site: http://www.enasco.com Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Quaking in my boots ? Tips for quakes
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Lisa, what you say re remaining in a building is correct to a point. When you are in a building and it starts to weave and rock, and things are falling my first feeling is escape to flat clear surfaces. Two year ago I had just come in from seeing the physician (hmmm both of these last times I have been seeing a physician, maybe it is all my fault!) with blood pressure of 245 over 115. I got home, collapsed into my chair and the earthquake hit! The fireplace was swinging back and forth, this time we were ten miles from the epicenter where as the recent one was thirty miles away. My walls and doorways were swinging and I got out of there into my field. Did I mention I am on a bluff? In other words the home was not a safe place. Same with the doctors office this time as we were in the flats where they build on pilings over marsh lands. I had quite a time opening my door when that first one hit as it was at an angle. Certainly the pictures out of Seattle where walls and marquees collapse shows why in that situation you do not run under something outside. And the pictures of people in auditoriums where debris is coming down from the ceilings,,, I would have been the first one streaking out! Anyway I defer to your experience and will try when the next one hits, which we are fatalistically anticipating, to be in a safe place. Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Quaking in my boots ? Tips for quakes
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List ! Glad all of you lucky folks in the PNW, got to see first hand what we paid for, in Ca. for so long ! After living with earthquakes for 20 years or so, I admit to YAWNing through most of them. The Northridge quake at 6.9 got my attention, however. So happy to hear from most people up there, and all appeared to have survived with frayed nerves, not frayed buildings. Our horses used to also snooze through the quakes, but I could tell that they " felt " themjust no biggie for them also, I guess. My deaf / missing one eyed dalmation, Siren ( cause she couldnt hear them ) always stood up and shivered before a quakeand Im positive she felt them comming. I wanted to share one thing that caught my attention on more than one post...and that is the shaking begins...and people race outside of buildings. That fact, is one of the reasons for most of the injuries in a quake ( that does not level the entire city, of course. ) Racing out of buildings that have to meet quake codes, and are for over 20 years now been built or refurbished to withstand quakes, is inviting problems. Best to take shelter IN the building, in a doorway, or even better, under a sturdy desk, ect. They drill this in the Ca. schools over and over to the kids, yet on the TV news, they always show frightend people, rushing into the streets and being hit with flying or dropping debris, glass, each other, tripping and falling in the panic, ect. Many fractures and badly cut feet from people NOT staying put, but racing out only to step into glass shards , nails ect. I heard that there was one death from a heart attack, bet that that poor person, paniced and bolted...after not running anywhere for years. How sad. Panic and running, even in a fire is a problem, so better to think, quick safe position, wait it out, then make way carefully outside. Stats show, over and over, that risk of injurys increase when people go out of a safe zone, to the outdoors, so please just keep it in mind. The girl who was standing in a barn that she admitted had not been properly attached at the roof, was wise to exit the barn, however. It may serve her well for her animals sake, to at least " teko " ( sp ? ) the roof down with some steel plates, nailed down at the corner points. Small investment to keep her roof on, and critters safe. Now Im reading that theres a rush to buy drinking water, flashlights, batterys and first aid kits. Business will be booming in those for awhile, and again, I think that sometimes " waking us up " to being disaster prepared only takes place AFTER a disaster ! As an American Heart Asso. CPR and First Aid instructor, Ive been teaching disaster prepardness for 15 years now. Must say, that living in UTAH, where most people here store a YEARS worth of foodalong with all other nessessitys, is awsome. Y2K, came and went here without a nodas having a generator or being totally solar self sufficiant is the norm, not the exception. Still glad that everyone safe and heart rates are returning to normal. Usually after a quake of substantial numbers, I would feel a big truck roll by, and wonderoh boy, is THIS the big one ? Lisa Pedersen * who's home in Norco, still sits almost directly over the San Andrais fault. ( Listing it for sale this summer.Jean, you interested ? ) ; O
Re: Badgers, Beaching and Boots
This message is from: carol j makosky <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cheryl Beillard wrote: > This message is from: "Cheryl Beillard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hey everyone .. are there no other Canadians out there in the west who have > read the book about the badger that overwintered/nursed a small child lost > on the prairies at the turn of the century .. long after he was rediscovered > and reunited with his family, mommy badger would edge into the barnyard from > the fields to check on him .. joyful reunions all round -- apparently the > child could "speak" badger .. until one day a stranger rode up and saw the > badger "attacking" the child and shot it. Major drama. As I recall, story > was based on a real happening. Does anyone know the name of the book? It > was a real tear jerker (sorry all you advocates of shooting badger .. we > shoot groundhogs, but have no badger .. just wolves, bear and occasional > cougar). I couldn't shoot one after reading that book! > > re Whales beaching .. loved the image .. All 5 of our girls were out in the > snow this afternoon, lolling around trying to find a comfy place to lodge > their heads .. they sort of doze and drop till the nose hits the cold snow > and then they come wide awake, only to slumber off again. Really funny to > watch .. never thought of the beaching analogy but it fits. > > re Boots .. Carol .. how great to hear you are back on board again, with new > winter boots .. I have a pair too and they are super. Make all the > difference. Now if they just covered all of me .. it would be a bit easier > to face that -30 weather ! I read that book ages ago. Sorry but I do not remember the name. About the boots. Valley Vet Supply has a pair by Muck boot company that look good and about the same price. I think I will order them. I tried a pair from State Line, but the velcro closure in the back was too tight for my leg. Good for you about the riding Carol. It sure takes more trips and time to get going in winter. First I put on four Easy Boots, then go back to the house for saddle and bridle, then back to the house for getting myself all dressed. Thank goodness the horse stays clean in winter and I dont't have to do a full grooming before hitting the trail. Remember, lots of good things happen at 60 too. -- "Built FJORD tough" Carol M. On Golden Pond Northern Wisconsin
Badgers, Beaching and Boots
This message is from: "Cheryl Beillard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey everyone .. are there no other Canadians out there in the west who have read the book about the badger that overwintered/nursed a small child lost on the prairies at the turn of the century .. long after he was rediscovered and reunited with his family, mommy badger would edge into the barnyard from the fields to check on him .. joyful reunions all round -- apparently the child could "speak" badger .. until one day a stranger rode up and saw the badger "attacking" the child and shot it. Major drama. As I recall, story was based on a real happening. Does anyone know the name of the book? It was a real tear jerker (sorry all you advocates of shooting badger .. we shoot groundhogs, but have no badger .. just wolves, bear and occasional cougar). I couldn't shoot one after reading that book! re Whales beaching .. loved the image .. All 5 of our girls were out in the snow this afternoon, lolling around trying to find a comfy place to lodge their heads .. they sort of doze and drop till the nose hits the cold snow and then they come wide awake, only to slumber off again. Really funny to watch .. never thought of the beaching analogy but it fits. re Boots .. Carol .. how great to hear you are back on board again, with new winter boots .. I have a pair too and they are super. Make all the difference. Now if they just covered all of me .. it would be a bit easier to face that -30 weather !
Re: easy boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hope: I have recently begun using Easyboots and no, I did not flatten the "teeth" on the inside, as I didn't notice damage on the hoof wall and I figure they help grip. The first time I tried the boots in winter conditions recently, my horse slipped alot, so I took them off and will not use them again until I get the studs on them. Joni in S.E. Wisconsin
Collar size (was easy boots)
This message is from: "Laurie Pittman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > What size collars for work harness do Fjords > usually wear? I am looking for a team harness > if someone has an extra. Collar size can vary quite a bit. I know of some that use a 19" or "20 collar, while mine uses a 24"-26" adjustable collar and it's not big on him. Best bet would be to find someone that knows how to measure for one. Laurie
Re: easy boots
This message is from: carol j makosky <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> carlson wrote: > This message is from: "carlson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Hi Listers, I never thought about using easy boots for > winter riding. Do you smash down those metal > gripping ridges on the inside so you can take the > boots on and off? Except for eliminating the snowball > in the feet thing do they work that much better for > traction than plain old bare feet? > > Jan. 15 I get word from the surgeon when I can > ride again. At a walk, on good footing, with company > and all that good stuff, but still ride. > > What size collars for work harness do Fjords > usually wear? I am looking for a team harness > if someone has an extra. > > Thanks all, Hope > > Snowy N. IL Hi, Are you the Carlson in Harvard, IL? Did you get my email about who has the easy entry cart like mine? Look in the archives for the easy boot web site. I leave the metal points alone so they help hold the boots on. I do not use them for any great distances, so am not worried about any scratches they may leave on her hoof wall. I have a 21" collar for my Fjord. They vary. I was using a 22" last year, but only logged twice with her. I will be using a pad under this collar, if I work her a lot at a time. Back to the easy boots. I have the studs in all four boots now, but have not had time to try them out on the icy roads. -- "Built FJORD tough" Carol M. On Golden Pond Northern Wisconsin
Re: easy boots
This message is from: "carlson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Listers, I never thought about using easy boots for winter riding. Do you smash down those metal gripping ridges on the inside so you can take the boots on and off? Except for eliminating the snowball in the feet thing do they work that much better for traction than plain old bare feet? Jan. 15 I get word from the surgeon when I can ride again. At a walk, on good footing, with company and all that good stuff, but still ride. What size collars for work harness do Fjords usually wear? I am looking for a team harness if someone has an extra. Thanks all, Hope Snowy N. IL
Re: Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: "Jean Gayle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean that was a nerve racking story. Who could have looked ahead to that stuck boot? I ride with the english stirrups with the rubber band on one side. When I needed to fall off my fjord when he was running all out and I was on his side, Indian style, I held the reins which snapped me around so that when my head hit it was not a head first thing. However, after I hit the ground I was surprised to find one boot, still tied, stuck in my graduated fence! It came off with a lot of force but at least I came free of the stirrups. Whew! Jean Gayle Aberdeen, WA [Authoress of "The Colonel's Daughter" Occupied Germany 1946 TO 1949 ] http://www.techline.com/~jgayle Barnes & Noble Book Stores
Re: Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --- Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: Jean Ernest > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Hopefully this incident will translate into a > training experience, for him > to stop when I fall off, even when threatend by a > moose. Of course, maybe > it would be better to be dragged than stomped by the > moose? Jean, Oooo. Ouch!! Either one would definitely NOT be a PLEASANT experience! I think I'd opt for 'hanging on like #*#@' - of course, my western saddle did give me more to 'hang on' to ;). Even an Aussie saddle is harder to 'come out of'. I've just never mastered the art of being comfortable at all in an English saddle! When I rode in the winter I mostly rode bareback in the winter - much warmer, plus the neck was right there handy to wrap arms around in a pinch! Mary = Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Shopping - Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. http://shopping.yahoo.com/
Re: Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi Jean- You are very fortunate! Thank God your horse decided to "do what Fjords do best," that is, stop and graze. You would have been seriously injured had he moved around even a little. A good lesson for us all to always wear boots which slip easily out of the stirrups! Brigid in CA
Re: Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Yesterday... I saddled up Bjorken, my 15-2hh gelding for a >ride, wearing my snow joggers which aren't particularly bulky, but have >rubber lug soles... Mounting up I noticed I had to really jam them in the >stirrups > So there I was sitting in the snow, one foot jammed in the stirrup and I >couldn't get it out. SURE GLAD that story ended well Jean! Thanks for sharing it with us; a timely reminder to consider winter riding foot gear and size of stirrup. No riding here the last couple of weeks, too cold! (but still no snow) The last ride out I spent a lot of time walking just to keep my circulation up and myself warm enough, not much fun. HOPE YOU and fellow Listers have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Ruthie, nw mt
Re: Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 11/20/00 8:48:41 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << We were going to relegate them to the Garage Sale pile, but if someone on the list wants them, I would be happy to send 'em off for $20.00/wich includes shipping anywhere in US. >> I've been looking for tapaderos for Raymond's western saddle. If nobody else gets there first, I'd take them off your hands (at a very reasonable price at that!). Pamela
Re: Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jean, glad you survived your adventure! I rode in my Sorel packers a few days a go, but switched my reg saddle for one with HUGE 'big guy' stirrups, as I had the same thoughts. Glad I did too, as my filly really had the snow snorts. This topic made me think of something...we were going thru a box of old tack in the barn, and in there was a really sturdy pair of tapadero style stirrups.MY boyfriend Dave made them when he was an outfitter in Colorado. They are hardly used, and they are not the type that drag on the ground, but they are big enough to get a heavier than normal boot in, and if you even rode with your regular boots on, they keep your feet really warm & dry. We were going to relegate them to the Garage Sale pile, but if someone on the list wants them, I would be happy to send 'em off for $20.00/wich includes shipping anywhere in US. Karen in N. Nevada _ Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
Bulky winter boots and stirrups
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day here, +30 with a 4-6" layer of snow on the ground. I saddled up Bjorken, my 15-2hh gelding for a ride, wearing my snow joggers which aren't particularly bulky, but have rubber lug soles. Mounting up I noticed I had to really jam them in the stirrups and made a mental note to remember they might be stuck when I dismounted. So off we went for a delightful ride around the property, then finished up riding next door to check on the neighbor's unoccupied summer cabin. Walking along the edge of the woods on their lawn, Bjorken suddenly spooked from something in the woods, jumped sideways and I found myself unseated, hanging off the right..Since he was only walking I decided to let go and fall into the soft snow still hanging on to the reins. But I found myself hung up with my right foot jammed in the stirrup. I told Bjorken to Whoa and he stopped, looked at me and decided he would check out the grass under the snow while Mom figured out what to do. Typical Fjord! This obsession with eating does pay off! So there I was sitting in the snow, one foot jammed in the stirrup and I couldn't get it out. Finally I reached up and unlaced the boot to free my foot. WHEW! Now to get the boot back on without getting it full of snow. Meanwhile Bjorken was pawing for grass while I got the boot back on and stood up covered with now. GOOD BOY! I gave him a handful of carrot pieces from my pocket and then led him around looking for something to climb on to get back on. Oh Boy! It could have been so much worse..Would he have stopped if we were being charge by a moose or a snowmachine? Would my foot have pulled out if he had run? My Ortho-flex saddle doesn't have safety stirrup hangers, but I had "Foot Free" safety stirrups (english), the kind where the outside is bent back to allow the foot to come out easily. But with the bulky boot and rubber lug soles, it didn't work. I have oversize stirrups, the same style, which I will put on the saddle now (They're HUGE!), but I think that when I ride with winter boots which might get jammed, I will loosen the laces or fasteners enough to allow my foot to slip out of the boot easily, just in case. Hopefully this incident will translate into a training experience, for him to stop when I fall off, even when threatend by a moose. Of course, maybe it would be better to be dragged than stomped by the moose? Jean in still mild Fairbanks, Alaska, cloudy and only +20 today. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Marsha Jo Hannah has a great explanation...probably in the Fjord > list archivesthat talks about dealing with the space at the > back of the heela problem that is particularly bad with Fjords > that have the platter shaped draft horse feet. Um, thanks, but that wasn't me You had posted a pointer to a www site (which I saw go by again, in this discussion); I reviewed it, and commented that the method described took the "easy" out of Easy Boots! As did my "solution" of putting a gauze-and-tape "sock" on under a size 3 boot, to make it fit a size 2.75 hoof! Bottom line for me is that anything that's easy for me to put on is equally easy for my guys to step on and remove, again! Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 15 mi SW of Roseburg, Oregon
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: GAIL RUSSELL <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 06:42 PM 9/26/2000 -0800, you wrote: >This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Check out the CD-L archives for easyboots. A lot of the drivers use them >http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/cd-l.html Marsha Jo Hannah has a great explanation...probably in the Fjord list archivesthat talks about dealing with the space at the back of the heela problem that is particularly bad with Fjords that have the platter shaped draft horse feet. Gail Russell Forestville CA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Check out the CD-L archives for easyboots. A lot of the drivers use them http://listserv.dartmouth.edu/Archives/cd-l.html If that doesn't work tryhttp://www.trot-on.com/cd-l/ and scroll down to find the link to the archives Also, Easy boots have been discussed on Endurancenet Ridecamp. Some endurance riders use them for 50 and 100 mile rides and know how to put them on to stay with no rubbing, etc. http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp/ http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp/archives/ Jean in Cool Soggy Fairbanks, Alaska, anticipating snow in the air. Winter is coming! At 09:32 PM 9/26/2000 EDT, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Denise: My Fjord is only "ouchy" on gravel, etc., but I would like to use >Easy Boots for the occasional times when I would trailer him out to a park >that has rocky areas. I also do alot of riding on asphalt and I thought >perhaps the boots would reduce the impact of the hard road. Another >advantage is for winter riding, which I do alot of. Winters in Wisconsin can >be very snowy and icy. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: "Denise's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> sounds good to me. thanks for the booting tips, denise - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2000 6:32 PM Subject: Re: EASY BOOTS > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Denise: My Fjord is only "ouchy" on gravel, etc., but I would like to use > Easy Boots for the occasional times when I would trailer him out to a park > that has rocky areas. I also do alot of riding on asphalt and I thought > perhaps the boots would reduce the impact of the hard road. Another > advantage is for winter riding, which I do alot of. Winters in Wisconsin can > be very snowy and icy. I also feel that the boots are very economical-I > found them in a catalog for only $29.00 each. I would have to pay about > $75.00 for a set of shoes. So you see, I'd really like it if the Easy Boots > would work out for my guy. Thanks for your advice, I will try the tracing. > I'll let you know how it goes. Joni >
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Denise: My Fjord is only "ouchy" on gravel, etc., but I would like to use Easy Boots for the occasional times when I would trailer him out to a park that has rocky areas. I also do alot of riding on asphalt and I thought perhaps the boots would reduce the impact of the hard road. Another advantage is for winter riding, which I do alot of. Winters in Wisconsin can be very snowy and icy. I also feel that the boots are very economical-I found them in a catalog for only $29.00 each. I would have to pay about $75.00 for a set of shoes. So you see, I'd really like it if the Easy Boots would work out for my guy. Thanks for your advice, I will try the tracing. I'll let you know how it goes. Joni
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: "MoonWise" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Joni, I too got EasyBoots for Mojave before I started shoeing her. We were taking long walks on very rocky ground and her hooves were chipping badly. Based on her measurements I ordered size 2 for her front feet and size 1 for her hind feet. The size 1 boots were too small, so I returned them for two more size 2 boots. Without going into all of the details here, there are almost infinite adjustments you can make to the boots, and the most comprehensive information is at: http://heather.greatbasin.com/~sportssaddle/Easyboot.html. I've trimmed away almost all of the heel cup and about half of the heel strap (Fjords seem to have low heels). Additionally, I covered the grip plates with duct tape and I find this works well. I have yet to try them over her new shoes, but they are supposed to work equally well over shoes, in addtion to serving in place of shoes. I hope this helps. Lori P. MoonWise Farm (now back on line in) Bella Vista, CA - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 9:40 PM Subject: RE: EASY BOOTS > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > I just "took the plunge" and purchased "Easy Boots" for my gelding. The > problem is that there is alot of room at the heel. I can place my fingers > into the back-I would say there's at least 2 inches of space behind the heel > on the front. The hoof fits perfectly in the boot, but I'm concerned about > the space at the heel. Also, the hind has even more space at the heel. I > purchased a size 2. Should I try one size smaller for the hind hooves? I > will be calling the Co., but wanted to see if anyone out there had a similar > experience-any input? Joni in Wisconsin where Autumn is early and it's > perfect for riding! :-)
Re: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: "Denise's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> dear joni, best bet for fitting easy boots is to trace the hoof outline on a piece of paper and send it in to the company. that usually works. why do you want to use easy boots? is your horse "ouchy?" most fjords have pretty hard hooves. just curious, denise in no-cal. - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 9:40 PM Subject: RE: EASY BOOTS > This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > I just "took the plunge" and purchased "Easy Boots" for my gelding. The > problem is that there is alot of room at the heel. I can place my fingers > into the back-I would say there's at least 2 inches of space behind the heel > on the front. The hoof fits perfectly in the boot, but I'm concerned about > the space at the heel. Also, the hind has even more space at the heel. I > purchased a size 2. Should I try one size smaller for the hind hooves? I > will be calling the Co., but wanted to see if anyone out there had a similar > experience-any input? Joni in Wisconsin where Autumn is early and it's > perfect for riding! :-) >
RE: EASY BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I just "took the plunge" and purchased "Easy Boots" for my gelding. The problem is that there is alot of room at the heel. I can place my fingers into the back-I would say there's at least 2 inches of space behind the heel on the front. The hoof fits perfectly in the boot, but I'm concerned about the space at the heel. Also, the hind has even more space at the heel. I purchased a size 2. Should I try one size smaller for the hind hooves? I will be calling the Co., but wanted to see if anyone out there had a similar experience-any input? Joni in Wisconsin where Autumn is early and it's perfect for riding! :-)
Re: ouch / safety boots
This message is from: sini seppala <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> We've bought some which are actually meant for woodsmen and are recommended for use at building sites, too. :) I guess they should be able to take a horse hoove, too. I'm not sure if there is steel in these as they are much lighter than another pair which is not meant for this kind of professional work. Sini. http://www.saunalahti.fi/~partoy/Juhola6.html > My farrier made a point about warning me to NEVER wear shoes > with a steel toe, since, a horse can step on these in such a way as > to collapse the steel tip, and cut toes off. Sorry for the gruesome > posting.
Re: E-Z BOOTS & Saskia
This message is from: "saskia schoofs" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hi Sini!
> Where are Saskia
here! :-))) just very very busy :-(((
> and the haflinger-fjord baby?!
still inside of Kitty! it's freezing again in Belgium, so I can only
encourage her to try to keep it inside of her as long as possible! (though I
have a strange tendency to shake her until the foal comes out at last :-)))
why can't they be like dogs, three months is long enough for a waiting
grandmother-to-be! :-)))
well, the merrier I'll be when it pops out! :-)
> How are you?
impatient and nervous! :-) sorry for not writing earlier to you, though I
have wanted to since a long time, I'm just a little overwhelmed by work.
for Christmas I got Miller's book about imprinting. you mentioned it in an
earlier post (thanks for all the foal-advices!). How do you do your
imprinting?
Yesterday the vet came for the annual vaccinations. He was afraid that they
would recognize him, or his smell, and run away, but they crowded around
him, impatient to be vaccinated, and especially when he started to deworm
("o!!! that man has food!!!") they were so enthousiast that we had to laugh,
because when he was deworming the little Shet Janosch, the Fjords Sybren and
Zeno both climbed upon Janosch trying to get some more of the stuff. Janosch
carried the weight bravely, and swallowed as much worm-paste as he could!
To my big relief he said the stable was big enough for foaling, if I would
be on the premises to be sure everything was allright. I plan to let Kitty
choose where to foal, but it's good to know that the stable is okay if it
rains heavily etc., or if she should choose it. She enters it spontaneously
these last days, something she never did before, so I think she's preparing
to build a nest! :-)
Sybren was funny yesterday. More than a year ago, I taught him how to carry
a bucket. Just for fun. I hadn't played at that again since then, in fact, I
had completely forgotten that he could do it. Yesterday I had a terrible
headache and was looking rather grey I think, I was sitting in the pasture
to get some fresh air (it was cold but sunny), a feeding bucket was still in
the pasture, next to Sybren (not surprisingly), so suddenly he looked at me
in a funny way, as to say: "hey, look what I remember!". He took the handle
of the bucket in his mouth and brought it to me! When I took it over, he had
a smile from one ear to the other! Maybe because he thought I would fill it
again!
He can pull such funny faces! He will be three in May, and sometimes he
looks so big and impressive, he has a huge neck and is really sturdy, but
sometimes he can look so young and almost vulnerable, it's very strange.
Happy Fjording,
Saskia
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: "Meredith Sessoms" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >What sort of problem is caused by a farrier trimming too short in >very cold weather? I've never heard of this. If you have your horses bare feet trimmed up real neat and the ground freezes hard, the horse can wear its poor feet down til they are raw and tip-toeing in a very short time. The same can happen in dry hard summer clay with rocks; and in very wet weather on rocky and muddy ground where the wet weather keeps the hooves soft so that they quickly wear down on the rocks. This happened to Dorina last year. I thought her feet were fine. The weather had been very dry and the ground was hard as concrete. I was marvelling at how neat the ground was keeping her feet and I hadn't needed Dan the farrier in weeks. Then one morning I noticed Dorina was wincing with every step. Her hooves had suddenly worn down way too far and I was very upset because I couldn't get the farrier out here quick enough and I had to watch her tip-toe around until Dan could make it out to put shoes on her. Weeks later when he came out to reset her shoes I could still see where the bruising had been around the hoof wall. I thought Dan was cutting her to the quick when I saw red dots in the shavings. He told me that was old bruising from when her feet had worn down so badly weeks before.:( >>><<< Meredith Sessoms >>><<< Soddy-Daisy. Tennessee. USA >>><<< Dorina & NFR Aagot
Re: Easy boots
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Regarding Easy Boots. > >Ruthie, I was surprised to read that your son uses borium shoes, but to each >his own, I guess...he must have unusual feet! > Peg Knutsen, WELL PEG, the mountains are so step here you see. !?! ha ha, actually, his Fjord "Henry" (aka) wears them and is probably one of the "rootinest-tootinest" mountain climbing horses this side of Norway!! Ruthie
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 1/22/00 9:02:49 PM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Sue: You meantioned Velcro straps-do they come with the boots, or did you make them? Someone I spoke to who uses the boots a lot said she uses "keepers" just in case a boot would come off, so as not to lose it. I suppose I could call State Line and ask. >> Yes, I made my straps. I have never seen the straps advertised in the catalogs although I know E-Z Boot sells some. One time I was riding through quite fast flowing water and a boot came off, because of the straps the boot was not lost. There are some horses that would come unglued with a boot hanging around their ankle but I was riding a Fjord and once out of the water replaced the boot and rode on. As I said in my earlier posting I have had no problem with my E-Z Boots I don't use them all the time, for much of the year my mare is shod, but they do allow me to give her feet a break from shoes and still allow me to ride or drive her on our rock terrain without bruising her very flat feet. Sue
Re: E-Z BOOTS & Saskia
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 1/22/00 1:23:02 AM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Hi Sue, you say that you use a Velcro strap hooked into the back of the boot and around the ankle so we don't loose a boot. How do you actually use it? Any other ideas on how they can be made sit where they should? Haven't tried them yet but some people say they can come off. >> I made my own Velcro straps with 1/2 inch Velcro tape and the sewing machine. Not sure how to describe them so they would make sense. The E-Z Boot company does sell a strap to keep the boots on, I have seen it in the literature that comes with the boots. Sue
Re: Easy boots
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Peg, what are they going to use Guns for? starting guns? Or maybe a Fjord army? Just wondering:) >I just came home from the first meeting of the Libby 2000 show committee. I >think we will have a very interesting show and a lot of gun. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska where a moose walked on the porch and looked into the stable, checked out the grain shed and peeked in my window, all since I came in from clearing snow in the driveway this afternoon. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Easy boots
This message is from: "Knutsen Fjord Farm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi gang - I love it when new folks show up on the list. We're in a growing group of friends! Regarding Easy Boots. My former trainer used them all the time on her Freisian mare, so we ordered a set [3's] for Silka. To make a long story short, she got abscesses on all 4 heels. I'm not sure why, it could have been that they were the wrong size, though I don't think so, or maybe it was how her heels grow, or how my trainer fitted them. At any rate, I still have them, but don't anticipate using them again, except maybe for an emergency situation. They worked great for her mare, who was never shod, but not for mine. Ruthie, I was surprised to read that your son uses borium shoes, but to each his own, I guess...he must have unusual feet! Regarding self-cleaning barns, our plan for our barn is to eventually cement the aisle so that it is crowned somewhat, and have a sort of gutter running down the side of the aisle fronting on 4 of the stalls [the 5th is across the aisle]. I hope that we can sluice much of the stall debris down it to the end of the barn, where Doug can pick it up with his new Kubota. We'll still have to muck out the paddocks, but the stall floors usually are relatively clean. The gutter will have to be pretty shallow to discourage tripping, and molded, which may be fairly expensive. This plan may change with usage, we'll see. I just came home from the first meeting of the Libby 2000 show committee. I think we will have a very interesting show and a lot of gun. Beth, keep working on ideas for the Stick Horse Drill Team 2000.. Kathy, keep working on getting me my grey stick horse! I'll work on the new uniforms. Peg Knutsen, Kuntsen Fjord Farm, Ellensburg, WA, where I hope we get more snow before the last 6 inches melts
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Joni, apparently a horse that has just had its feet trimmed real short could wind up with very painful feet or even frostbite in SEVERE cold, Like -40 or -50 degrees like we were having. I doubt you get those sorts of temps in your area. We had -57F officially a couple time with temps as low as -65F in some of the low lying areas. Since the weather could turn cold again , down to the -40's and below, my farrier was careful not to trim very short. It would not be a problem at -20 even. Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska where we are basking in mid +20's also, with more snow. Only problem is there is no place to ride with 3 ft of snow on the ground and the trails are all snowed in with 2 ft of fresh snow. Skiers are having a ball, tho with all that fresh powder! At 10:09 PM 1/22/2000 EST, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Jean: What sort of problem is caused by a farrier trimming too short in very >cold weather? I've never heard of this. And I, for one, am happy to report >that the frigid cold has departed S. E. Wisconsin-we are back up to the upper >20s and I look forward to an enjoyable ride outside tomarrow >:):):):):):):)Joni > > Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear list friends: Thank you for your response to my request for "feed-back" on E-Z BOOTS. After reading the comments on the list, I am encouraged that purchasing the boots would be a good idea. For those of you who stated you thought the cost is high-the boots are being offered in the State Line Tack Special Offer flyer for only $35.90 each. I don't know what you pay for your horse to be shod, but it's around $90.00 here, so the boots are really economical for me. Sue: You meantioned velcro straps-do they come with the boots, or did you make them? Someone I spoke to who uses the boots alot said she uses "keepers" just in case a boot would come off, so as not to lose it. I suppose I could call State Line and ask. After a very cold week, it's warming up to the upper 20s in S.E. Wis. so I can't wait to go for a nice long ride tomarrow! Happy Fjording all! Joni :):):):):):):):):):)
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean: What sort of problem is caused by a farrier trimming too short in very cold weather? I've never heard of this. And I, for one, am happy to report that the frigid cold has departed S. E. Wisconsin-we are back up to the upper 20s and I look forward to an enjoyable ride outside tomarrow :):):):):):):)Joni
Re: E-Z BOOTS & Saskia
This message is from: sini seppala <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Sue, you say that you use a velcro strap hooked into the back of the boot and around the ankle so we don't loose a boot. How do you actually use it? Any other ideas on how they can be made sit where they should? Haven't tried them yet but some people say they can come off. Our horses don't usually need shoes under these circumstances. The only reason for having shoes is that it's sometimes quite slippery over here in the winter. We've been wondering if easy boots might be the answer. They also come with small metal studs which can be attached to their bottom and removed. Where are Saskia and the haflinger-fjord baby?! How are you? Thank you Sini in Finland. home page at http://www.saunalahti.fi/~partoy/Juhola6.html
Re:Easy Boots
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List, I haven't posted in some time, but I've been reading. I use easy boots. I haven't ever put shoes on my 2 boys. 5 & 7yrs. I trail ride mostly. We have been in MUD... rocks, rushing water, climbed threw brush etc. I haven't lost one yet. I started using them mainly because my horses hooves kept getting chipped up on the rocks and hard ground. They don't all fit perfect but they have a number of adjustments you can make to them. They go on easy and if you have the right tool ( a flat screwdriver works BEST) they come off like a dream too. I would recommend them highly. Aimee Day
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --- Bushnell's <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: "Bushnell's" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > Regarding "not shod in the winter." > > We've always had shoes removed in the wintertime and > considered it more > humane but can't recall the basis for the practise, > just assumed the reason > was that metal can be a cruel cold conductor. Ruthie That's one reason for it - although I did use "sharp shoes" with screw-in ice caulks on my riding mare in the winter when I lived in Libby. The metal shoes didn't seem to bother her much. I think most of us pull the shoes in the winter because we don't use the horses much in the winter, so keeping them shod is not economically efficient. Some of us do our own trimming/filing when the horses are barefoot, which also saves money. Around here where it is so wet we take the shoes off for the winter for a couple of reasons: 1)hooves which are constantly wet get soft, so the shoes come off accidentally more easily. 2) hooves with shoes hold more 'gunk' than bare hooves, and are harder to clean. 2) shoes lost or pulled off in the deep mud are impossible to find - sometimes you get lucky and find them in the summer, but by then they are usually all bent up and rusty. It's very easy for a horse that walks in deep mud all the time to step on the back of his front shoe and pull it off - the mud messes up their timing I guess. We have one mare (Line) who has NEVER had shoes on. Her feet are very tough with thick soles and walls. The farrier says he is glad he doesn't need to try to drive a nail through those walls! He recommends that the horses go barefoot in the winter to allow time for nail holes to grow out and to allow the foot to "rest" and return to normal before the next season. Remember, shoes are something MAN introduced to the horse. It's an improvement when using them on rough, rocky ground, but it's still an imperfect solution. Of course, some horses are shod year-round out of necessity - either because of some foot problem, or because they are used year-round and need their shoes to protect their feet/give them proper traction for their work. When we did this back in Montana, we tried to give the horse at least a few weeks off with bare feet during a lag time in the work/competition he was used for. Mary = Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Do You Yahoo!? Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: "Denise Delgado" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> dear ruthie, my farrier told me that removing shoes in the winter gives the foot a bit of a break. it allows the hoof wall to expand and flatten out the bottom of the sole so the frog can make better contact with the ground and increases foot circulation with each step. makes sense and sounds like a good story. he's a very good farrier, keeps up to date and is always going to farrier seminars. be interested in hearing from a farrier on this one. denise in clearing showers and blue sky on the horizon, northern california.
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Joni, I keep an EZ boot on hand for the time when one of my horses throws a shoe but have never used it for riding. I always thought if we went to the Black Hills to trail ride (it is very rocky terrain) that I might try them. They are awfully expensive and you can't really alternate them much between horses because they come in a bunch of different sizes -- unless, of course, your horses have the same size hooves. Susan
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Regarding "not shod in the winter." > >We've always had shoes removed in the wintertime and considered it more >humane but can't recall the basis for the practise, just assumed the reason >was that metal can be a cruel cold conductor. Ruthie Generally the "winter shoes" here are put on with pads, either the 'Huf-grip" rim snow pad or full pads so maybe that insulates them. I just got the summer shoes removed and the winter shoes and pads put on my guys yesterday ...HOORAY!!!... My farrier thought that it was better to leave the plates on rather than remove them if he couldn't put the other shoes on, and it has worked out ok. He is VERY careful not to trim short when the weather might drop to the -40's etc. and didn't take much off their hooves yeasterday for that reason. He says that some other farriers have trimmed hooves too short for the cold conditions and horses have had problems. He wouldn't trim the girls at all yesterday for that reason even tho they were a bit long. The reason he wanted to leave the summer plates on rather than just take shoes off when it was too cold to put the others on was that the ground was so hard that taking the shoes off would have caused more problems than leaving them on. I trust my farrier and he sure knows his business shoeing here in the extremes of Alaska! After the boys got their borium shoes and pads yesterday they discovered that they had a lot more traction and 25 year old Bjarne went racing and bucking around the paddock, stopping occasionnaly to roll in the snow. Before, he had acted as if he wanted to roll, pawing and starting to get down, but then would decide against it, as his shoes must have felt slippery perhaps. but now he rolls with abandon to get the snow off his back then bounces up with a buck and races around chasing the others. We are enjoying balmy temps here, +25 degrees and we had about 18 inches of snow over the last few days. Sure glad I have a snow bloer as there would be no place to PUSH the snow! I still have to dig out the pickup and shovel snow off the deck ( Maybe try to get the snowblower on the deck to do that) then I can think about snowblowing the little arena and maybe I can actually RIDE! Hey, wouldn't THAT be a nice change..wonder if I remember how? LOL So when it is COLD here, it is WARM down there in the lower 48...And when it is Cold down there, we get the balmy weather! I like it this way..you folks can enjoy winter for a while! Jean in Fairbanks, ALaska, Almost shirt sleeve weather at +25! Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: "Bushnell's" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Regarding "not shod in the winter." We've always had shoes removed in the wintertime and considered it more humane but can't recall the basis for the practise, just assumed the reason was that metal can be a cruel cold conductor. Ruthie At 11:21 AM 01/20/2000 -0500, you wrote: >This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Our one experience with ezboots as a means to protect an injured >hoof for a short time was very positive. They are expensive, and >getting a good fit is not easy, but we are considering buying sets >for one of our teams which are normally not shod during the winter. > >
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Our one experience with ezboots as a means to protect an injured hoof for a short time was very positive. They are expensive, and getting a good fit is not easy, but we are considering buying sets for one of our teams which are normally not shod during the winter.
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 1/19/00 6:43:41 PM Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Anyone out there tried E-Z Boots on thier Fjord? I haven't had shoes on my 91/2 yr. old gelding for about 4yrs. The only time I feel he would need protection is when we trailer to a park that has rocky areas and that's not very often, so I thought perhaps E-Z Boots would be the way to go. They're also supposed to be good for winter riding. Any comments? Joni in Wisconsin where we are enjoying one of the finest mild winters that I can remember! >> I use E-Z Boots on my Fjords and they work well. Katrina is shod and padded most of the year but I like to give her feet a break in the winter so we switch to E-Z Boots. We drive on dirt road, some are covered in large gravel. I have been ponying my 20 month old filly, Heather, behind the cart since she was a year old, and as she is too young to be shod I also use E-Z Boots on her. The only problem I have had is when we move from gravel to pavement, especially where the gravel is on the pavement, we get a bit of sliding. My girl friend only uses E-Z Boots on her Fjord, for riding and driving, and has had no problem. We both use a velcro strap hooked into the back of the boot and around the ankle so we don't loose a boot in mud, water or because a horse has stepped on the back of a boot and pulled it off. E-Z Boots are not cheap but they are less expensive than keeping shoes on all the time and protect my Fjords feet well. Hope this helps. Sue
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: "Rebecca Mayer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I did try e-z boots and they are great for an emergency, but they were always a struggle to get on and could be thrown off with enough action. Becky
Re: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Anyone out there tried E-Z Boots on thier Fjord? Only as an emergency shoe replacement, to keep the hoof from chipping up until the farrier arrives. Unfortunately, my Fjords seem to have hooves that are a different shape than what the manufacturers of Easy Boots designed for. Of my 3, there's only one that I can keep the boots on---and he's the one that needs them the least! The ones with rounder, drafty hooves keep stepping on the back part of the boot and ripping it off, no matter how tightly it's adjusted. I'd suggest that you borrow a pair and try them on your horse first, before investing in them. Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 30 mi SSE of San Francisco, Calif.
Fwd: E-Z BOOTS
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anyone out there tried E-Z Boots on thier Fjord? I haven't had shoes on my 91/2 yr. old gelding for about 4yrs. The only time I feel he would need protection is when we trailer to a park that has rocky areas and that's not very often, so I thought perhaps E-Z Boots would be the way to go. They're also supposed to be good for winter riding. Any comments? Joni in Wisconsin where we are enjoying one of the finest mild winters that I can remember!
Re: Easy Boots
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Try some info from the endurance crowd on easy boots.Website(s) anyone? The info on Easy boots can be found at http://www.easyboot.com/easyboots.html Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where we had snow this morning, and lots of wind. But the gees have been sspotted in Delta Junction, 100 miles south of here. Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Easy Boots
This message is from: "Karen McCarthy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Try some info from the endurance crowd on easy boots.Website(s) anyone? Here in Nevada it ain't all sand, and the people who train endurance have gotten easy boots down to a science. There is someone I know locally who gives about a 2 hour spiel on them @ the Back Country Horsemen clinic held every spring in this region. For those of you who want more detailed info on how to fit an easy boot, you can email me privately and I'll get you in touch. Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Re: Easy Boots
This message is from: JoAnn or Dave <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Sue, It sounds like you have a good farrier. I use size 3 Easy Boots, too, and have a suggestion and a question for you. > ... there is a lot of boot left sticking out the back when you get > it fitted, and the edges are too tall. I also have to wrap the cable > wire around the metal lever to get enough tension on the cable to make > it snug. I trimmed down a lot of the excess on both the back and the > top rim of the boots, and so far she has not pulled a boot off since I > trimmed. ... My other mare takes a size 2 boot, and it is proportioned > better, but still needed a lot of trimming around the coronary band. I've actually trimmed about an eigth of an inch off the bottom of the back of the boot (the very bottom), and that has significantly reduced having it stepped on by my TB's hind feet. I'm not sure just how much this weakens the strength of the Easy Boot, but my thought was that there on to protect his soles, so it's worth trying -- and it's worked. As for wrapping the cable around the metal lever, I tried that and it threatened to make the lever turn cockeyed and I was afraid that it could wrench itself loose. So I had my husband drill a new pair of holes in the heel strap! It was very easy with a Dremel, and now the boots fit Bobby's wide but shortish front hooves fairly well. When you mentioned trimming excess off of the top of the Easy Boot, do you mean behind the cables (down toward the heel), or above the cables? There doesn't seem to be a lot of room above the cables, but a friend's horse has hooves which the Easy Boots are too tall for -- the front above the metal lever would rest above the coronet band if she were to use them. Do you have any suggestions? Maybe pads inside? These hooves are also very upright and the toe doesn't reach into the front "corner" because of the steep angle (of the hoof, not the boot). > The savings in not having to pay for shoes easily > covers the cost of the Easy Boots, but the aggravation of having to > put them on daily means I would shoe if I did a lot of trail riding. > > Sue Banks > Mattaponi, VA Although it gets easier with practice, I agree! However, I just did an experiment with Easy Foam (have you heard of it?), and it lasted 2 weeks. I applied Koppertox before gluing on the Easy Boots since we're in a very moist environment and there was no thrush when I took them off. Because Bobby had a heel wound on the left, I couldn't use the necessary heel strap to secure my Easy Boots, and his feet had just been trimmed (perhaps a little too short), so I couldn't ride without them. Voila! Out comes the Easy Foam I picked up in VA on my vacation :-) I totally removed the heel strap from the left boot, and mixed up the foam to glue it onto his hoof -- the owner was leaving as I was making preparations; you know, rubber gloves, mixing stick, container, baby wipes, etc -- but he couldn't resist stopping to ask what I was doing. He was probably afraid it was a construction project! I explained that I was gluing the Easy Boots on like shoes, and not to get worried when he saw that it would look like I forgot to take them off. "Ohwhoa," he said (the standard comment elicited from anything totally different), and drove off. The right hoof was wrapped in Vetwrap, just like I do for when I'm using the boots without the foam. (Do you use anything under the boots, and/or do you bend down the metal gripper teeth, Sue?) Surprisingly enough, the left boot stayed on considerably longer than the right, despite the heel strap disparity. The right boot stayed on for four days, then came off while Bobby was turned out. I put it back on with more foam, sans Vetwrap. The left, strapless, boot stayed on for two full weeks, coming off as we trotted down and around a wet clay downhill turn on the trail. I keep telling him it's better to walk down those hills, but can't deny him his own little experiments ;-) He clipped the left boot with his right foot, and off came the "slipper." I was quite happy with how long it adhered. Then on to the adventure of removing the perfectly solid right boot while being laughed at by my friends -- but it sure is nice to have a horse who will stand quietly while his person nearly wrenches off his foot - LOL! JoAnn in Japan
Re: Easy Boots, was Shoeing Fjords
This message is from: Sam & Sue Banks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
My Fjords do not have shoes and my farrier promises me he will tell
me when they need them - they both have excellent hoof walls. We have
very sandy soil around here, and the dryer it gets, generally the looser
the sand gets, so we don't have the problem of clay drying to a hard
surface. I primarily ride in ring or fields.
When I do go out on trails, depending on the footing, I sometimes
use Easy Boots. My younger mare has flatter feet, and if there is to be
a lot of gravel, the Easy Boots prevent her from bruising her soles. I
have ridden/driven the older mare on all kinds of footing, and she seems
to do fine at the slow speeds and short lengths that I do with no Easy
Boots, but I put them on her if the terrain is questionable since I
don't want a lame horse.
Fitting the Easy Boots is a pain. My younger mare has a very wide
round hoof - she takes a size 3 boot, and, as mentioned by Marsha Jo
Hannah, there is a lot of boot left sticking out the back when you get
it fitted, and the edges are too tall. I also have to wrap the cable
wire around the metal lever to get enough tension on the cable to make
it snug. I trimmed down a lot of the excess on both the back and the top
rim of the boots, and so far she has not pulled a boot off since I
trimmed. This mare has a tremendous overstride, but is really well
balanced, and I guess she is just a lot more coordinated than I am,
since I trip over my own feet often. I also don't ride fast, mainly
walking with a little trot and canter. My other mare takes a size 2
boot, and it is proportioned better, but still needed a lot of trimming
around the coronary band.
I also made some straps that fasten around the horse's pastern like
the Keeper Straps they sell. It gives me a good handle when putting the
boots on, and prevents the boot from getting lost if they pull it off.
As I said, I don't travel far or fast, and I have trained my horses for
hobbles, so the straps don't bother them (besides, they're Fjords!). I
carry a large flat blade screwdriver and hoofpick to help me getting the
boots on and off. The savings in not having to pay for shoes easily
covers the cost of the Easy Boots, but the aggravation of having to put
them on daily means I would shoe if I did a lot of trail riding.
Sue Banks
Mattaponi, VA
Easy Boots for Fjords
This message is from: Ingrid Ivic <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Has anyone on the list used them on a Fjord? > Did you like them? > If so ... are they a permanent item in your barn? > If not ... where did they fail? > Are they hard to fit to the fjord foot? > Are they difficult to take on and off every time you want to go out on > the trail? > Hi Meredith...yes, I have used the easyboots with great success on my BAS. I do like them. They are a bit of an investment, but worth it for the amount of use they get. As far as fit goes, well, it took me awhile to get it right...but I measured incorrectly the first time. They are easy to get on and off, once the fit issue is corrected, just snap on and off. I primarily use them if the ground is rocky or very hard. They are indispensable if your fjord (or other breed, for that matter) normally wears shoes, and he/she loses a shoe! Just snap it on, and you're ready to go. Hope this helps, Ingrid :o) PS...I have used them for medicating a hoof also (on my QH)works great!
Easy boots
This message is from: "the Sessoms'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I hate the expense and bother of horse shoes, that's one reason I went with Fjords. However, my 1/8th of a mile driveway is gravel and I hate asking Dorina to go down it. Even when we go slowly and carefully and walk in all the best spots we manage to step on a sharp rock. And our trails are rocky in spots - sharp chert and hard granite, not shale or sandstone. So, I was thinking about buying her some Easy Boots for our outings. I think I have seen them used during endurance races, etc. If they can take an endurance race, I know Dorina and I on our little woodland outings will not be too much for them. Has anyone on the list used them on a Fjord? Did you like them? If so ... are they a permanent item in your barn? If not ... where did they fail? Are they hard to fit to the fjord foot? Are they difficult to take on and off every time you want to go out on the trail? Meredith Sessoms Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee USA <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> - Dorina - NFR Aagot - - - Fjords - Caper - Carly - Crickett - - - Labradors
Re: Easy boots
This message is from: Marsha Jo Hannah <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Meredith Sessoms <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I hate the expense and bother of horse shoes [...] driveway is gravel > [...] trails are rocky in spots - sharp chert and hard granite, not > shale or sandstone. So, I was thinking about buying her some Easy > Boots > > Has anyone on the list used them on a Fjord? Occasionally---usually when one of them jerks a shoe, although I also had to use them on Sleepy when I had him barefoot one winter---he just couldn't take walking to/from pastures on our gravel roads. > Did you like them? > If so ... are they a permanent item in your barn? > If not ... where did they fail? > Are they hard to fit to the fjord foot? > Are they difficult to take on and off every time you want to go out on > the trail? They are a necessary evil. I keep them around because Sleepy is talented at taking shoes off in the winter mud, and his (and Nansy's, on the rare instances she jerks a shoe) feet fall apart on my gravel if he's barefoot for even a few days. They do not fit my Fjords well. I have sizes 2 and 3, but actually need about 2.2 and 2.7. It is a real pain to try to stuff a big round hoof into a boot that's a little too narrow. Cinching down a slightly oversized boot leaves a lot hanging out the back; Sleepy is even more talented at stepping on the backs of his Easy Boots and peeling them off than on his regular shoes. The one Fjord that I have who can keep Easy Boots on is the one whose hooves don't need them! (I've had best success keeping boots on by first creating a "sock" of duct tape on the hoof---not something I'd want to do long term.) I suppose that if one used them a lot, taking them on and off would become more routine; I find it to be a pain. I understand that many of the endurance riders use them with "garters"---a safety strap so that WHEN the horse jerks the boot off, it stays attached to the leg. That way, the rider can dismount and quickly put the boot back on, rather than having to waste time searching for the boot---which usually comes off in a river, mud puddle, etc. It may be that, if one gets custom-made boots, things work better. An acquaintance who had a carriage concession used them instead of shoes---less concussion and better traction on pavement, and they wore out at about the same rate. Of course, he had "ordinary" horses Marsha Jo HannahMurphy must have been a horseman-- [EMAIL PROTECTED] anything that can go wrong, will! 30 mi SSE of San Francisco, Calif. ---
