Sunday, 18 October 2009

Fitting the Hoof Boots!!

We decided to try the hoof boots today, which meant cutting the pads to size and putting them in before we could use them. Jim did a good job of cutting the pads and putting them in the boots and I cleaned the hooves off and tried on the snazzy little pastern wraps which supposedly stop any rubbing.

We tried Ankys first and my initial thoughts were that they looked very big and clumsy, although after her first few steps, Anky didn't seem to mind them at all.



The pads are very thick, too thick I thought for the boots, but after walking her around for ten minutes, they have compressed and look ok.


I'd heard that the original Old Macs were a bit of a pain to use and after today I have to wholeheartedly agree. Ok, my energy levels are not very high at the moment and my patience level is about the same, but in the words of Catherine Tate "what a f***ing liberty!! Corky was acting like an aging diva and the boots wouldn't go on properly, but eventually we got the wraps on (not actually wraps but pull on, not like the cavallo ones which are a much easier wrap around design and secured with velcro) and the boots fitted, the inside strap tightened, the outside velcro tightened and eventually the back buckle buckled!! They looked even more clumsy than the Cavallos, like a cross between carpet slippers and wellies, but Corky didn't seem to mind.
So, even if we'd wanted to ride I wouldn't have had the energy. I can't believe it took so much effort to fit a couple of pairs of horse boots, but at least we're ready for our ride tomorrow!!


Anky stood very patiently, even if she did have her eyebrows raised!!


Final word goes to JENSEN BUTTON, Formula 1 World Champion!!

2 comments:

Claire said...

i'm always pleased i've never had to use them.. always struck me as a major performance, but i suppose it gets easier with practice...

RidingHigh said...

I love my Cavallos! They are the simplest to put on and off and I have never had a boot slip off. Neither me or my horse is patient enough to fuss with the Old Macs!