I did get out to try Brena with hoof boots. But it was fraught getting there. The road to the barn was jammed because of a wreck on another more important road. Then my trailer was blocked in by parked cars at the barn.
I did use some quite choice expressions to describe the situation at the barn whereby several people had left their cars blocking the trailers. It seems that one belonged to the manager's boyfriend. at the time I didn't think that these blunt and expressive statements had been overheard. But I was wrong. So I received a call from the manager saying that I could park my trailer anywhere except where hay loading is taking place. At last. Now my trailer is on the nice mown grass in front of the barn, with another trailer, and there it will be parked.
Very delayed we rode. I had one pair of Old Macs in the truck, and those went on Brena's front feet. They fitted fairly well, but made no obvious difference to her gait or behaviour. So I suppose that her feet feel just fine on the hard ground, however she doesn't want to race around because of the hardness underfoot.
Now I have found the other two hoof boots. I wonder whether to try Brena in four tomorrow? I did figure that perhaps I should use the neoprene gaiters because her heels seemed as if they might get rubbed. The state of the hair on the bulbs of her heels just made me suspect that a problem could occur. I'll decide in the morning. She's a week off a trim so do I want her feet more abraded and chipped, or does a bit of extra wear and tear not really matter?
Boots are not ideal, but sometimes you need them. I got Renegades for Cassie and they're fine on her front feet, but I'm not too sure about her hind feet. I think because her hind feet are oval the fit is not as good and they twist a bit, so I'd worry about rubbing. Most of our rides are stony, so I felt she needed something, but today I rode her in just front boots over some rough terrain and she was fine. Hard to know what's best for her, sometimes. I do envy you the bridle paths you have access to!
Do you have a rasp? If I see any chipping I rasp it so all edges are smooth and can't get caught.
Posted by: Sandra | July 03, 2011 at 01:07 AM
Thank you for the advice, Sandra. As it happens Brena went so well barefoot later that I did another six hours or so riding over the weekend without boots. I did measure her feet though, and she has good dimensions for Old Mac's (to my surprise I admit). Her feet look a bit chopped and rough, however she is sound and, of course, still transitioning.
Fortunately I do have a rasp, nippers and a hoof knife from the old days when I ran a riding facility. I do use the rasp when necessary.
Posted by: White Horse Pilgrim | July 04, 2011 at 11:47 PM