First, Easy Boots seem to work best on rounder hooves. So you will typically have best success on front hooves – or have to come up with a couple tricks. Experiment, you will find what works best for you.

It also helps to have a little heel and not under-run heels. So some horses that have recently gone barefoot because the rider wants to try to correct contracted and/or under-run heels may have some initial difficulties. Work with a good farrier to get those heels in the best shape.

But there are still a few tricks that will help during transition times or for those with an anatomy that dictates short heels.

Easy Boot foam works great, but it is enough of a project to want to limit use to a major ride or multi-day event.

Duct tape – as always the rider’s friend – will help a lot. Even just a couple wraps solved the problem of losing boots on my mare’s hind feet – even in the toughest rocky terrain.

You can also layer a few strips of duct tape around the heels and then a couple complete wraps to build up heel width.

Vet wrap will build up thickness and add grippiness too. This is a good practice if you have difficulties keeping the duct tape off the guard hairs.

Both the vet wrap and duct tape add some grip while protecting the hoof wall from the metal tabs inside the boots. I don`t smash down those tabs, instead I let them grip the duct tape.

Also, crank down those buckles – tight enough that you have to stand on them.

A final trick is to put a couple wraps of duct tape around the outside of the boot to keep the buckle from popping up.

Good Luck – once you have seen the value of Easy Boots, you’ll never go anywhere without them!