How do i get my horse used to her bell boots?

Question

she hates them and paws at the ground constantly,before i put them on her i let her smell them and she watches me put them on any suggestions?

Answer 1

Put them on her and walk her around for a while. That's what I did with my horse and shipping boots.

Answer 2

Do they fit correctly? That could be problem, bell boots should fit snug but not tight enough to cut off circulation. The Velcro should be facing away from the horse.

For the first time when I work a horse that's wearing bell boots for the first time, I'll lunge them to let them get used to it. After they get used to it then I'll get on and ride. Try turning her out into a paddock or even in a round pen.

Answer 3

I walked my horse around then put him on a lunge line once he was use to them at the walk. Maybe 5 minutes of trotting and cantering before he was perfectly fine with them.

I can imagin that some horses might dislike them because the way they move and are attached. With these horse, I just wouldnt use them at all. Several top riders don't use them because they feel they are a safety issue so I doubt it would kill your horse to go without them.  

Answer 4

Take a walk, maybe lunge her. She will get used to them eventually. Are you just using them for shipping or riding?

Answer 5

Maybe try lunging her with them. I did that when I was training my horse to except the bit. It gets them used to it and lets them freak out if they want without you on them.