Poll
Getting the Boot
What are the two most important things you want in a hoof boot to replace a lost shoe or treat injury?(Check only two)
Total votes cast: 2634
Comments & Write-in Answers
does not rub horses ankle or cause damage to horse in any way
6/29/2008 10:47:10 PM
largger sizes are needed to fit warmbloods and drafts
6/29/2008 2:57:18 PM
Not irritable to foot
6/29/2008 2:24:34 PM
Likked them when I saw them and would like to try them
6/29/2008 1:56:40 PM
does not dig into the back of the heel
6/28/2008 3:38:37 PM
and relatively easy to take off (by me not the horse) Easy boot is excellent
6/28/2008 2:47:54 PM
I've used this boot for my horse. The boot consistently stays on and is very easy to put on.
6/28/2008 2:06:09 PM
I have never used boots of any type. Either shoes or stall rest
6/28/2008 12:35:29 AM
Sfe for the hoof
6/27/2008 10:11:24 PM
They either fall off or ware out too soon
6/27/2008 6:15:47 PM
It should not rub the coronary band. or heel.
6/27/2008 5:53:03 PM
easyboot epics are the best
6/27/2008 4:09:56 PM
It should be durable. I recently purchased some boots that were very nice. They were easy to put on
6/27/2008 2:07:41 PM
must not further damage the hoof. and stays on. and is easy to get on wb hoof.
6/27/2008 1:57:16 PM
I had a horse that lived in an easyboot for nine months while a huge abcess grew out-
6/27/2008 12:36:05 PM
Fits well
6/27/2008 10:19:38 AM
The most important thing is a boot also needs to fit properly and be comfortable for the horse.
6/27/2008 10:01:24 AM
Can't really just choose two
6/27/2008 8:50:45 AM
Wonder about the rubbing factor of the straps that secure it
6/27/2008 7:48:03 AM
Doesn't cause rubs or further injury to hoof or leg by spinning or twisting
6/27/2008 5:55:26 AM
must not damage the hoof or coronary band
6/27/2008 1:06:27 AM
shoes? what shoes? to treat an injury I want it to be easy to put on and know it will STAY on
6/27/2008 12:24:36 AM
I liked the old mac boots because the local tack repair could fix any broken straps/buckels
6/26/2008 11:07:56 PM
Needs to be durable too - endurance racing, trail riding
6/26/2008 11:00:26 PM
lost shoe replacement would be nice
6/26/2008 10:58:51 PM
doesn't rub coronary band or heels
6/26/2008 9:37:54 PM
I want to not shoe at all, use only the boots when needed.
6/26/2008 6:36:55 PM
All of the above, plus comfortable for my horse.
6/26/2008 6:04:12 PM
non chafing
6/26/2008 5:49:46 PM
No Velcro!
6/26/2008 5:18:02 PM
I've moved to vettec sole pak for my hoof protection
6/26/2008 5:02:24 PM
Stays on would be a given don't you think?
6/26/2008 4:59:38 PM
dont dig into the hoof and cause damage on removal
6/26/2008 4:56:26 PM
is healthy and appropriatley supportive
6/26/2008 4:27:29 PM
does not rub
6/26/2008 4:20:34 PM
The boot should fit well and not rub the soft tissue.
6/26/2008 3:33:06 PM
size specific
6/26/2008 3:31:22 PM
fits well
6/26/2008 2:14:00 PM
Don't believe in shoes, horse should be natural then you don't have to worry about a lost shoe.
6/26/2008 11:42:42 AM
It must not irritate!
6/26/2008 10:38:55 AM
doesn't rub foot
6/26/2008 10:19:56 AM
I use them in leiu of steel shoes.
6/26/2008 9:52:37 AM
no rubs
6/26/2008 7:45:43 AM
I would have checked all, but having it stay on and let the hoof breathe are critical.
6/26/2008 7:40:42 AM
doesn't allow rocks, etc., to enter boot
6/26/2008 1:22:30 AM
i want a bell boot that is soft inside creates sweat for inflamation/swelling.(ringbone ect.)
6/26/2008 12:27:27 AM
very durable at the toe. but they are all important to me
6/25/2008 11:47:54 PM
duct tape & hoof pads, works great-cheap
6/25/2008 10:05:18 PM
all of the above are important! Tough to prioritize this one.
6/25/2008 8:57:54 PM
Something that can be strong enought o protect the hoof and keep it clean and dry, with soul support
6/25/2008 7:37:40 PM
want inexpensive also!
6/25/2008 5:38:29 PM
can be cleaned and disinfected, can be cushioned if desired (removable pads)
6/25/2008 4:34:11 PM
And to make sure the hoof dosen't chip so the showe can be replaced relatively easy.
6/25/2008 4:12:17 PM
Does not harm any surrounding tissue plus easy to size
6/25/2008 3:52:31 PM
I would love one that is a one size fits all easy to put on for injuries
6/25/2008 2:51:21 PM
I need a boot my horse can wear 24/7 as he transitions from shoes to bare hooves.
6/25/2008 2:42:00 PM
Really depends on if for long term or short term use, and type of mishap.
6/25/2008 2:39:05 PM
boots need to fit properly so that they don't do more damage than good.
6/25/2008 1:11:38 PM
Hard to choose only 2!
6/25/2008 1:06:32 PM
I use easyboot epics. they stay on, relatively easy to put on, and i can get parts for them.
6/25/2008 12:30:52 PM
A boot that stays on and will last!
6/25/2008 11:59:06 AM
all of the above seem important to me and hoof health if treating for anything
6/25/2008 11:51:10 AM
Since a boot is a temporary fix, my drafts need a BIG, DURABLE boot en route to the farrier!
6/25/2008 10:56:35 AM
All are important.
6/25/2008 10:37:41 AM
less than 40.00 per boot and is easy to put on.
6/25/2008 10:35:33 AM
I own 3 different styles and each are hard to put on, even though the advertise easiness.
6/25/2008 10:25:23 AM
Horses are barefoot, coming from shoes and sometimes needs boots, til they can walk on rocks
6/25/2008 10:04:31 AM
Does nfot damage the hoof or horse in any way
6/25/2008 9:55:04 AM
don't use them, my horse is gently riden on hoof-friendly surface
6/25/2008 9:42:47 AM
replace shoes so the hoof can function like it should
6/25/2008 9:27:34 AM
I have never used them
6/25/2008 9:26:20 AM
good fit
6/25/2008 9:06:30 AM
All of the above are desireable to replace styrofoam & duct tape
6/25/2008 8:56:37 AM
At our barn we have a horse that had a laminitic attack who wears them for tender soles in the mud
6/25/2008 7:41:59 AM
does not abrade the coronet band
6/25/2008 6:03:49 AM
comfort with no chaffing are vitally important
6/25/2008 3:37:07 AM
important that the boot does not rub horse's foot anywhere
6/25/2008 3:01:32 AM
does not rub and cause blisters and sores
6/25/2008 2:42:45 AM
also easy to get off but not by the horse
6/25/2008 12:38:41 AM
Am using barrier boots to protect rear feet w/chronic white line; they need to stay dry & clean
6/25/2008 12:22:14 AM
Choosing 2 was hard, so I've added 2 more. I also like easy put on & stay on, very improtant!
6/25/2008 12:04:28 AM
It would be nice to find a boots that stays on properly is very durable for a decent price.
6/24/2008 11:27:45 PM
Days of diapers and tape should be long gone. I want one that will hold medicine and or ice.
6/24/2008 11:10:29 PM
Won't use them because of problems that can occur from wearing the boot.
6/24/2008 11:05:28 PM
Correct fit is tricky and I've had trouble keeping emergency boots on my horse.
6/24/2008 10:57:01 PM
I've even lost a newer Epic, that gets frustrating
6/24/2008 10:51:16 PM
Been using hoof boots for front hooves since 2002 - use instead of shoes for riding.
6/24/2008 10:35:02 PM
Needs to stay on, but not damage the hoof like easyboots do
6/24/2008 10:11:30 PM
Fits the foot properly
6/24/2008 9:59:40 PM
I would want it to fit properly & not fall off.
6/24/2008 9:57:53 PM
Works with the movement of the hoof with out rubbing and stays on
6/24/2008 9:34:50 PM
all of the above
6/24/2008 9:30:53 PM
doesn't allow dirt and debris into the boot, in case you are using for an abcess
6/24/2008 9:30:20 PM
ALL of these
6/24/2008 9:30:14 PM
one that a horse cannot rip off or chew off or pull off standing on
6/24/2008 9:26:00 PM
Doesn't rub--tried them all--they all rub--not for horses with low heels
6/24/2008 9:18:56 PM
I've been using the Hoof Sock from Penn Equine on my foundered pony. Reusable and durable.
6/24/2008 8:42:22 PM
I use boots instead of shoes, better for the horse
6/24/2008 8:40:17 PM
easy to care in saddle bag
6/24/2008 8:36:55 PM
some traction -not a smooth bottom
6/24/2008 8:30:23 PM
I haven't found a boot yet that my T-Bred won't get rid of
6/24/2008 8:09:25 PM
price is the 3rd most important consideration.
6/24/2008 8:05:26 PM
my horse alwats gets them off
6/24/2008 7:35:45 PM
i use my ole macs instead of putting shoes on my horses
6/24/2008 7:29:06 PM
I'd like to see more boots being used by barefoot horses so that shoes are not needed.
6/24/2008 7:28:00 PM
All of the above, and designed to fit a naturally bare foot!
6/24/2008 7:07:24 PM
durable, low profile, not clunky
6/24/2008 7:05:33 PM
Able to find the size for the dinner plate size hoofs of a big Belgian!
6/24/2008 6:59:16 PM
Doesn't rub
6/24/2008 6:49:53 PM
I don't use shoes on my horse. She does great "going natural."
6/24/2008 6:49:19 PM
flexible to fit mule/donkey feet??
6/24/2008 6:48:47 PM
Fits the horse well enough to be comfortable and not collect mud or sand, etc.
6/24/2008 6:39:43 PM
thru experience, the easier to put on the better for injuries
6/24/2008 6:37:07 PM
I use the new "old mac's" and love them.
6/24/2008 6:32:23 PM
All of the above would be great. I use old mac boots and find them easy on and stay on.
6/24/2008 6:32:09 PM
It must not damage the foot in any way.
6/24/2008 6:28:18 PM
Well could only pick two but the other important factor is durability.
6/24/2008 6:25:07 PM
Cost would also factor in my buying decision
6/24/2008 6:19:08 PM
If I can't get it on easily then I won't use it. Might as well wait for the farrier to fix it.
6/24/2008 6:13:12 PM
Fits the hoof & foot well so doesn't rub.
6/24/2008 6:11:06 PM
All of the above.
6/24/2008 6:01:53 PM
Currently there are none (that I can find) that will fit a draft horse!!
6/24/2008 5:56:49 PM
Size - Draft sizes are nearly impossible to find
6/24/2008 5:54:33 PM
I would like to see all the listed factors in hoof boots as well as a non-chafing design.
6/24/2008 5:43:05 PM
Also easy to get off
6/24/2008 5:42:59 PM
Fits well; rubs and sores don't help anything!
6/24/2008 5:22:14 PM
Not injurious to hoof, hard to misapply
6/24/2008 5:21:08 PM
Does not rub or put pressure anywhere on the hoof
6/24/2008 5:20:03 PM
All are important. The only reason to buy one is to save the work & supplies of making my own.
6/24/2008 5:10:03 PM
Forget Shoes! If we could just have easy to put on running shoe-like boots - no nails, better hoof!
6/24/2008 5:02:31 PM
Easy on. Allow horse to complete what s/he was doing, protect from injury/further injury
6/24/2008 4:59:42 PM
Need cushioning for my artheritic show mare's ailing knees.
6/24/2008 4:54:42 PM
easy on, stays on, and is durable all with out duct tape!
6/24/2008 4:53:00 PM
Hoof Boots are more healthful. With shoes nails are used. A bad idea.
6/24/2008 4:35:47 PM
I don't think I'd ever feel the need to use a boot. I don't shoe my horses and bandages work fine
6/24/2008 4:35:40 PM
It needs to be easy to remove also.
6/24/2008 4:29:37 PM
some with the nubs(?) to keep the boot on actually hurt our horse
6/24/2008 4:28:46 PM
It should not cause further damage to the hoof
6/24/2008 4:28:06 PM
Two items didn't do it for me - it should be easy-on, easy-stay AND cushion the foot!
6/24/2008 4:27:22 PM
i don't treat injuries
6/24/2008 4:17:19 PM
i have been using the Old Mac's G2's with my barefoot trim and I just love them and so does my horse
6/24/2008 4:14:44 PM
Needs to fit well so it doesn't irritate the horse
6/24/2008 4:14:44 PM
Boots are also fabulous for barefoot trail riding! I use them every trail ride and love them
6/24/2008 4:06:50 PM
affordable and effective!!!
6/24/2008 4:05:03 PM
Preferably ALL!! LOL!!
6/24/2008 4:04:23 PM
If it isn't easy to put on, then stay on, it won't be used at all.
6/24/2008 3:58:48 PM
assistance for people who are unfamilar with boots
6/24/2008 3:56:54 PM
Comfortable
6/24/2008 3:56:24 PM
it needs to FIT. I have mules and most are built for HORSE feet.) mule feet are differently shaped:
6/24/2008 3:55:05 PM
anatomically correct
6/24/2008 3:51:08 PM
does not rub or make sores where it touches skin
6/24/2008 3:42:14 PM
Has a non slip sole
6/24/2008 3:35:33 PM
Doesnt chafe bulbs of heel and coronary bands
6/24/2008 3:34:30 PM
Does not damage the hairline
6/24/2008 3:34:17 PM
ALL THE ABOVE
6/24/2008 3:27:18 PM
does this include boots worn in PLACE OF all shoeing?
6/24/2008 3:22:49 PM
it has to withhold turnouts
6/24/2008 3:22:30 PM
Should not rub or create more problems
6/24/2008 3:22:27 PM
Boot criteria for lost shoe and treatment are different
6/24/2008 3:21:50 PM
It's tough to pick just 2. All are important.
6/24/2008 3:20:53 PM
works like a bare hoof
6/24/2008 3:18:07 PM
The horse has been around for almost 50 millon years. Their feet are not meant to be in a shoe.
6/24/2008 3:16:42 PM
I boot for endurance and I don't want to get off I do a boot to last.
6/24/2008 3:15:27 PM
It would be hard to improve on the Old Mac G2 that I use now.
6/24/2008 3:14:38 PM
does not rub anywhere and protects the foot and allows the horse to get good traction always
6/24/2008 3:14:25 PM
emmulates natural foot movement. i.e. supports a breakover. Protect sore feet.
6/24/2008 3:14:01 PM
doesn't cause lameness
6/24/2008 3:08:05 PM
I keep my horses barefoot and ride endurance (50-100 miles). I need a boot to last at least 250 mi
6/24/2008 2:52:35 PM
fits well
6/24/2008 2:47:37 PM
easy breakover style. not so bulky as most on market.
6/24/2008 2:35:05 PM
Mine are barefoot, always use easy boots
6/24/2008 2:34:51 PM
all of these are important when buying a boot.
6/24/2008 2:31:42 PM
Can't narrow down to two
6/24/2008 1:36:47 PM
Old Mac's G2 boots work best for me!
6/24/2008 12:43:04 PM
All of the above would help
6/24/2008 11:46:29 AM
good traction and fits securely without rubbing coronary band
6/24/2008 11:22:16 AM
Neat looking, non irritating to the horse,
6/24/2008 11:07:34 AM
Comfort for the horse
6/24/2008 8:34:38 AM
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Allows debris that gets in the boot to get out
6/30/2008 11:58:54 AM