Has anyone used Old Mac Boots?

[CatB]

I was talking to a farrier (not my usual) the other day about Sass' habit of pawing and getting caught in the fence and pulling her shoes off. He suggested just leaving her barefoot and getting a pair of Old Mac Boots, which I could simply put on when I wanted to trail ride. He said I probably didn't need a pair for in back, unless I would be doing really extensive riding on really rocky terrain. He did mention that you had to keep their feet trimmed on a VERY regular basis, because the boots were so closely fitted. I was wondering how well they worked? At $145.00 a pair, they're not cheap, but definitely cheaper than shoeing, in the long run. :horsie:

[Lynne]

I looked into them when I was having to keep Paco wrapped but they didn't make them in itty bitty sizes

[Linda]

I used Old Macs all last year. I have a set of four, it is very rocky here. I love them, as does my mare.

You will probably need to have your mare trimmed every 4 weeks or so--or you can just round the edges of the hoof with a rasp and stay on your usual schedule. You will be able to ride in the ring barefoot--only needing the boots when you go out on more abrasive surfaces. Short rides on abrasive surfaces (so the mare doesn't limp) would also serve to keep her feet shortened naturally and would result in less-frequent trimming. The boots fit better on horses whose feet are basically as wide as they are long. Horses who have been trimmed and shod that way--such as natural balance (like Brisco wears) fit these Old Macs extremely well.

The boots will provide your mare will much more protection than shoes.

I believe this is a wonderful way to go--you have the best of both worlds. I have one year of use from my boots and will hope to make it through another. Regardless, I will not hesitate to shell out another $300 for another set of four as soon as they are needed.

The website is >www.yourhorsecare.com<.
Linda

[Smay]

at Equine Affaire last year I examined them closely because they were "new" and all the rage with trail riders and some CTR people.... they are pretty nicely made and look very rugged. The don't look TOO hard to put on, like Easyboots are sometimes...but they are really bulky looking...like hiking boots for horses. I bet horses would like wearing them though - seem like they'd be excellent traction and "softy-ness." If trail riding is your thing with Sassy-frassy, you might like to use those! They WOULD be cheaper in the long run.

[CatB]

a couple years? The farrier I spoke with made the remark that the boots would pretty much last as long as the horse! I suppose a lot of depends on how much you use them? I do some trail riding, but not as much as I use to. Too many fingers in too many pies! Thanks for the info, I'll probably get at least one pair.

[niaru]

I used the EZboots a lot on Rita, even jumped her in them, they're great. And a little duct tape over the hoof before putting the ezboot on does the trick: they stay put really well.

[Linda]

How long the Old Mac's will last depends on the terrain and the amount of miles. I ride on some of the worst possible. I destroy steel shoes in 6 weeks because of the abrasiveness of the county road I have to travel to get anyplace. Since almost everyone else is going to have a much more horse-friendly environment--and since the boots are ONLY worn when riding on the trails--they should last much longer for everyone else than they do for me. My horse does like her boots. They are very easy to put on and very easy to take off. I think you will be happy with them. Linda