Posted by sarahkate on 6/29/2011, 1:41 am, in reply to "first set of shoes " 208.87.137.231
My horses wear bell boots when turned out or working to prevent them from stepping up and injuring their front heel or possibly pulling a shoe. I am more concerned about the heel injury than the shoe being pulled off. They are an extra step but worth it for the added protection.
Bell boots last forever if I'm the only one handling them, because I always make sure the velcro is securely attached so little dirt can get to them, then I am always careful undoing the velcro. The minute someone else uses them the velcro is dirty and half ripped off. Sigh. I've had not luck with pull on bell boots. Sorry, mini-rant, my favorite pair of black sheepskin lined ones were just ruined by a careless working student... argh...
Sometimes, there has to be some shoe left behind- to help protect the heal, that does not necessarily have anything to do with a good or bad farrier, it depends on the foot. I was always a big fan of the hot shoers, but then I stumbled upon a farrier that only cold shoes but I absolutely love him. He never makes the foot fit the shoe, but the shoe must fit the foot. He's allowed my 21 yr TB with sidebone to be completely sound for first level dressage work. My horse loves him too, last time he was shod, he thought the farrier was stretching him (I stretch him before every ride) and scared the crap out of my farrier when he went into a deep stretch! It was hilarious!
Anyways, bell boots won't hurt and they are an added ounce of prevention, so why not? It's important to trust your farrier and even though others may love him/her, he/she still has to be the right fit for you. If you don't like the look of his feet after shoeing or they way he treats your horse or your horses reaction to him/her, keep looking. And good luck!
