Which hoof boots

Dear Don,

I ride a Rocky Mountain Horse gelding. He has been barefoot for quite some time and has taken to it beautifully. For the most part, the places I trail ride are sandy, but sometimes I travel to places that have rough, rocky terrain. My gelding is a little ouchy when we ride on the rocks so I have considered getting EasyBoots for him. Would you recommend them, and if so, should I go for just front boots or get them for all four hooves?

~Sally

Being that you ride on rocky terrain “intermittently” and your horse is fine barefoot, I would go with an Easy Boot, Old Mack or Delta Boot. There are a good number of manufacturers with many different designs. I would check them out on the internet and it would be advantageous to speak to a person in sales from the company you decide to go with. The most important thing regarding boots is a good fit; they can be a nightmare for both you and your horse if you miss the fit. Involve your farrier as well; he/she will need to do a trim before measuring. Most horses are fine being barefoot on the hinds, just do the fronts and see how that goes….

Don