“Glue-on shoes are helpful for horses with soft feet that just don’t hold nails well, or when the hoof needs more protection and shock absorption,” says Haven. They come in three basic types: synthetic (polyurethane, polyethylene or acrylic polymers), aluminum core covered with polyurethane, and metal. With an ever-expanding variety on the market, glue-on shoes offer non-invasive protection and support. “I recommend that clients ride in them a couple hours at a time, several times, before going on a long ride.”īoots are one of the most economical shoeing alternatives because they can be used over and over. “You want to make sure they are broken in and the horse is used to them before going on a long ride,” she adds.
“You must make sure you’re on a good trimming schedule, anywhere from four to six weeks, so you don’t have issues with the boot not fitting right or rubbing the horse. Haven prefers the style that opens in the front of the hoof and has hook-and-loop closures that attach to the front tab, because this allows for adjustment to get a good fit. To work well and be comfortable for the horse, they must fit properly.īoots are useful for many applications, including long rides (many endurance riders swear by them), as well for therapeutic reasons, such as a foundered or sore-footed horse. Made of durable synthetic material, boots come in a number of styles and manufacturers. Easyboot image via Wikipedia Hoof BootsĪs the name implies, hoof boots are temporary hoofwear you put on and take off as needed. Some examples include a horse that typically goes barefoot, but is going for a long ride on rocky or hard footing a horse that has foundered in the past and is sound now or a horse that has poor quality feet that will not hold up for nailed-on shoes. Haven says horses may be candidates for alternative hoofwear for a number of reasons.
A professional farrier for 35 years, she appreciates how the industry has changed over the years and the wide range of materials and options now available. To learn more, we turned to Lana Haven of Ocala, Florida, who specializes in therapeutic, pathological, natural balance and performance shoeing, and trimming.
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