As a Whole Horse Consultant, I support many horses and their humans with varying needs.  In supporting people transitioning and maintaining barefoot horses, good hoof boots became critical.  I had been aggressively researching and testing various horse boot options for 8 months supporting horses to a barefoot lifestyle when I finally tested the Old Mac's.

On my first hands on experience with the Old Mac's, I put a pair of Old Mac's on my horse that were 2 sizes TOO BIG as a test.  The Old Mac's did NOT COME OFF even running through mud and water. The only thing the boots did (which was expected for 2 sizes too big) was turn during my small canter circles. Even the boots turning didn't seem to bother my horse and again ... they stayed ON.  My horse just looked slightly pigeon toed. :)

In March 2001, I rode a friend's barefoot horse during a clinic that was "tender footed" at just a walk and trot when doing circles where the majority of the rocks had been raked out of the riding circle.   Later in the day we were asked to lope a larger circle that put the horses right into all the rocks that had been raked out to the edge of the earlier circle.  Luckily I had my Old Mac's with me that fit this horse. I put the Old Mac's on.  The horse cantered the circles through the rocks and went about the rest of the clinic without a bobble.  It was awesome fun.

Since the boots have been available and I have been using them, I have been very pleased with the results.  If I had to buy new pairs every year, I would be happy. For most people, it will probably be MUCH longer. I love their easy on/off fit and that they STAY ON and still allow room in the heels for spreading while riding. This is the only horse boot I currently know that you can have the heel room to move and still have the boot stay on.

Prior to finding the Old Mac's, each time I tested a boot (or observed someone's experience with a boot), I found another "criteria" to add to my list.  I knew I had to find something that was easy for the horse owner or they would give up and put metal shoes back on their horses for 24 hour everyday wear.  I knew the "as needed" hoof boot option would be much healthier for the horse if I could find a way to make it easy for the horse owner without sacrificing the horse.

There are many horse boot options out there today that should be able to meet everyone's needs to allow the horse the optimum barefoot life.  I have researched all the major hoof boots and some of the minors.  The Old Mac's Horse Boots are so far the best boot option I have found that can meet anyone's needs.   Feel free to contact me to support your decision in deciding on what hoof boot will work best for your needs.

The most important part to a horse's hoof health AND overall health is MOVEMENT.  I was looking for something that would encourage the barefoot riders to ride their horses NOW, the non-barefoot riders to have an option acceptable to them to be willing to go barefoot and make the transition easier, and to help the severe rehab horse become comfortable enough to move.  Besides many other details, I was looking for a boot that

was easy to put on (strength and tools NOT required)

was easy to take off (strength and tools NOT required)

STAYED ON under serious riding conditions without restricting motion

allowed the hoof room for proper hoof expansion and function without falling off

provided adequate sole and shock absorption protection for even the severe rehab horse

was not easily liable to cause severe raw spots on horses from rubbing

was usable on various horses within the same "size" range

was capable of being used for horses in rehab for extended wear time without harm

was reasonable in cost compared to functionality & useful life

allowed breathability in hot desert climates

had plenty of wear life for the average rider

 
Old Mac's met all these criteria to my pleasant surprise after so much searching.  All of the hoof boots I looked at previously had some major drawback that was not easily remedied.  Most of the boots I looked at had to have a tight fit to stay on securely and in some way or another would come off under various circumstances.  If you have ever been in the water while riding and had a boot sucked off ... no fun ... then you know what I mean.  Worse yet is not realizing you lost a boot and then not being able to find it when you go back to looking.  Hoof boots get expensive fast regardless of their price when they don't stay on during a ride. From what I have seen so far, Old Mac's Horse Boots can be used in all disciplines in all conditions.

So far I have ridden without any extra adjustments and have had no issues. Check out the Old Mac's Multi-Purpose Horse Boot to evaluate if they can meet your needs for the best care for your horse.