Pads in hoof boots

Em · Pads in hoof boots

Shadows frogs have degenerated over winter and because he hasn't been so keen on the hard ground I decided to use his boots and put pads in them.

I just used some camping mat but they were a nightmare to get on (they were fine without pads last week) is there a knack?

Also, I hear most of you taling about using sole mates, how much are they? How often do you need new ones? Looking at the camping mat I wouldn't have used it again. Sorry to be dumb but this booting lark is all new to me! Very Happy

brucea

Yes there is a bit of a knack with the pads I found. I am using Easy Bares.

When I put the pads into the easy boots I had to let the boot out one hole becuase the pads add thickness which lifts the foot up into a slightly narrower part of the boot - moved the screws and it sorted the problem. As the pads compress slightly it all eases a bit again.

Unfortunately with the pony he was lalready on the last hole so it was a new set. Anyone need 000 boots (with pads)?

Interesting - I was concerned that my lad Link's hooves wouldnt harden up in the boots with the proper Easy pads in. We were out for 4 hours last weekend and when we came back his feet looked polished and hardened and his frog was like polished leather with none of the scraggy bits that went into the boot!

That's a brilliant idea - using camping mat material - I wonder if it is tough enough? The pads I got from the Saddlery Shop are quite tough material, but very supportive. I know someone who uses chunks off her husband's old wetsuit, they are softer but they don't last that long before they have to be replaced.

Em

Glad its not just me! Shadow has size 3 epics (I think thats what they are they came with him Embarassed

)

I trimmed him today so hopefully they will go on easier tomorrow anyway!! lol!

Julie

While we're talking about pads does anyone use the easycare dome shaped pads? How do they compare to the normal ones?

Yann

You can get 'genuine' solemates from

http://www.aepsupplies.co.uk/

Or Justine sells something terribly similar

http://www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk/

You won't easily get the full thickness ones into a boot as they come, I resorted to cutting them in half depthwise, you can get two in once the horse has squished them down. An alternative I haven't tried is to run them over with a car and then put them in the boot Laughing

They are very durable, and once they do get tired it's possible to rejuvenate them by warming them in the oven or soaking them in a tub of hot water.

The other alternative is the Easycare comfort pads, not as thick but they will do the job, and if fit is a problem the thin 6mm ones are still quite effective.

debbi · pads in hoof boots

Not sure what these pads are for cosI don't use them, but my old macs straps used to rub the pasterns. I bought an old sheepskin coat from a charity shop (make sure its not fake) & use that as wraps, no more rubs, very durable & could pad under the hoof too???

Yann

As far as I understand it the pads do two things, firstly they reduce concussion, and secondly spread pressure over the whole of the foot as opposed to just the primary load bearing bits. The extra stimulation is meant to be good for the sole and frog Smile

Em

hobnob

I used my Old Macs for the first time since last autumn, yesterday. After reading about pads from you guys I thought I would make my own as i have never used them before. Drew round bottom of boot and cut out shape from a camping mat (haven't told other half yet) and popped them in. Great success - see April performance thread. When I got back I looked at both pads and found it really interesting as only a barefooter would! Around the edge was all squished but also on the near perfect hoof you could see where the frog and back of the foot had been but on the foot that is still slightly long underneath and frog not quite so plump the area wasn't so squished! Confused

Does that make sense?

Yann

It does

The more durable pads mould with use into an exact mirror of the bottom of the hoof, perfect pressure distribution.

Pads in hoof boots

pads in hoof boots