***Easyboot epics or bares???

Question

Besides the look of the boot... the only difference i can see is that the tread on the bares is a bit better.

What pair do you recomend?

Which kind stays on better without gaiters?

Can you use easyboots with shoes?

Thanks!

epic:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230281527122

bare:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120286554639

Answer 1

I had asked my ferrier this same question.  He said the gators are bad for the horses hoof.  He hates them, can do damage because they bite into the lateral hoof wall.   I had never used the bares.  My friend used boa boots and they would come off alot.  Whatever you use make sure you have strap that attaches from the boot to the horses leg.  If it comes off you won't loose it.  

Answer 2

Not much of a difference, we've got epics.  Yes you can use em with shoes as long as they're big enough.

Answer 3

There really is not a huge difference between the Epics and the Bares in terms of performance, although the Bare is supposed to be modeled more after the hoof of a barefoot horse.  I know the Epic can be used with shoes, not sure on the Bare.  One main difference is in the locking mechanism used to secure the boots on the hoof.  A lot of users felt the Epic's lever/pulley system was difficult to adjust and required too much muscle to put on -- the Bare's system by the manufacturer's own admission is even a bit more difficult to use. Here is a lot of great info on the manufacturer website http://www.easycareinc.com/.

Personally, I've been using Simple Boots on my barefoot horse for the past 6 months and I could not be happier.  The really are "simple" to put on with easy adjusting velcro closures -- it takes me about 3 minutes to put on all four boots.  They've also held up really well and have at least 2 more months of use before they need to be replaced. I found them in a local IFA tack shop for $90 per pair, and I have seen them on EBay for about the same amount.  Here is the manufacturer website: http://www.cavallo-inc.com/

My horse got used to these boots VERY quickly and now he loves them as much as I do.  No more sliding on pavement on trail rides or worrying about a foreign object damaging the hoof either.

Here are TONS of great user reviews of all the hoof boots out there, including Easy Boots: http://www.horsetackreview.com/results-r...

Good luck!