Boot is falling off

When a boot is falling off, the fit is not appropriate for that hoof.  Follow this one thought when fitting the marquis hoof boots:  The shell of the boot must fit to the contours of the hoof wall.  Whenever there is a deviation causing a space between the hoof wall and the shell of the boot you need to fill in that space. There are various reasons for incorrect fit listed below:

1. There is too much space on the sides of the boot between the hoof wall and the shell of the boot.

2. Wrong size range.

3. Not enough air in the chamber.

4. Irregular shaped hoof wall.

5. Heels are too high.

6. Heels are too low.

7. Too much space behind the bulbs.

8. Toe not put to the front of the boot when applying boot.

9. Horse has too long an over-stride and is interfering.

10. Severe gait deviation.

11. Hind feet are a slightly different shape.

12. Extremely variable terrain.

1. Check your measurements and tracings for accuracy (you may need a different size).  If they are correct you can help the fit to be more snug by making small shims from closed cell foam.  Slide them down in between the side of the hoof wall and the boot.  This is done on hind feet or small pony feet that are smaller than the size 0.

2. Call us.  If the boots are unused they can be exchanged.

3. Put more air in the air chamber.  For very rigorous terrain or very fast gaits or intense performance sport you will need more air.

4. For minor irregularities you or your hoof specialist/farrier can clean them up with a rasp.  Otherwise, you need to “fill in the space” caused by the irregularity with closed cell foam.  For example, a laminitic horse with a large flare in the front of the hoof wall will need a strip of closed cell foam across the front of the hoof wall to fill in that space.

5. Extreme cases where the heel is higher than 4 cm or 1 9/16”, the air chamber may be moved up.  The fit needs to be such that the air chambers cushion above the bulbs.  Just drill two holes in the shell of the boot above the other holes that presently hold on the air chamber and swivel the chamber up at the back.  This works very well for horses with founder or club foot.  We can also do this for you in our office.

6. For horses with pasterns that slope shallowly we recommend insoles so that the back of the pastern is not rubbed by the air chamber.  Gaited horses may benefit from cutting out the back of the boot and lowering the air chamber.  Please enquire at our office for information and photographs.

7. You will need a smaller size.

8. Open the front flap wide and look down into the front of the boot to check that the hoof is completely to the front of the boot.  The soft material will mold to the shape of your horses toe.  Then, when you put the air in the chamber it will snug the boot up onto the hoof in its most forward position.  This is needed to keep the hoof from moving inside the boot.

9. More work in collection will help with the extremely long over stride.   

10. Equine chiropractic or body work may help with alignment issues.

11. Yes, this is desirable and the marquis  are fully adaptable.  Hind feet have steeper hoof walls and a slightly different shape from the front feet.  Longer wire fasteners can be used if necessary.  The closed cell foam shims may also be used very successfully if needed in the sides.

12. If all other fit parameters are correct, you need more air in the air chamber.  The soft white air chambers are an option for trail riders doing lots of steep downhill rides.

Boot is twisting

Slight rotation of the boot would indicate the use of insoles.  More than slight rotation is incorrect sizing or trimming or gait travel.

Your horse needs one size smaller or insoles.

Chaffing

1. Incorrect usage – boot is left on for too long at a time.

2. Incorrect usage – initial acclimatization period of a few 20 minute sessions has not been observed and followed.

3. Friction rub – a friction rub is caused by space anywhere inside the boot allowing the hoof to move.  It can be caused by too low heels, too large a boot size, not enough air or too loose a setting on the clip and wire, or irregular hoof shape.

4. Pressure rub – a pressure rub is caused by a boot that is fitting too tight.

5. Irregular hoof shape – high heels.

6. Irregular hoof shape – low heels.

7. Extremely variable terrain.

1. We recommend that boots left on for more than 5 hours at one time be checked frequently.  Extremely hot temperatures and a long duration in the boots may allow sweat and dirt to be a source for irritation. Endurance riders may consider using the marquis socks.  We recommend Long Riders use the socks.  For therapeutic uses (where boot must be left on for long periods of time) the air chamber may be removed and use just the shell.  Hooves must be checked regularly.

2. Follow the Proper Fitting Instructions enclosed in each pair of boots.  To start with, put a little too much air in the air chambers rather that not enough.  The air chambers should be pressing snugly but not too hard against the heel bulbs.  Put enough air in the chamber so that it is difficult (but still possible) to squeeze your finger in between the bulbs of the heel and the air chamber.  It will take a little trial to find out the correct amount of air, this is why we recommend building up to the use gradually.  Exercise gently for 15 to 20 minutes.  If it looks like the heels are starting to get sore, then wait a day or two and use slightly less air next time.

3. The marquis boot is a performance boot!  When fitting the boot keep in mind that you do not want the hoof to move in any way inside the boot.  So, again, fill in the spaces that are allowing the hoof to move in the boot.  This can be done with more air, tighter settings on the wire and clip, marquis insoles, closed cell foam wedges.  The marquis should fit snug and secure with no slopping, hollow sound when walking, or rotating.  They are designed just like a hoof and act as an outer “skin” of protection for your horses comfort and safety.

4. Use less air, a looser setting on the wire and clip, take out insoles, or move up one size range.

5. The marquis is designed to simulate the bare hoof.  Sometimes, though, a hoof in transition from metal shoes or any irregularity will have different proportions.  The marquis has many adaptations built into the boot (adjustable air chamber, several clip and wire settings) and can also be adapted for high heels by raising the air chamber to the needed height.  Once the surplus heel has been cured the boot can then go back to its original configuration to suite a more balanced hoof.

6. Use the insoles for low heels.  For therapeutic reasons specialty hoof pads work well in these boots.  Also, for Gaited horses may benefit from cutting out the back of the boot and lowering the air chamber.  Please enquire at our office for information and photographs.

7. The soft (white) air chambers are a good option for rugged trail riding.

Plastic rivets are not holding.

1. You are engaged in an intensive sport with your horse.

2. Your horse sometime clips the back of the front boot with a hind foot.

1. marquis is an excellent riding/high performance boot.  For high intensity sports such as jumping and eventing, we recommend metal rivets in the back of the boots (instead of the plastic) and fitting the boots on the snug side.

2. For gaited horses with a strong over-stride we also recommend the metal rivets.

Wire popping out of its housing on the side of the boot.

The boot is not fitting to the contour of your horses hoof wall.  This may happen to a horse in transition.

When fitting the boot keep in mind that you do not want the hoof to move in any way inside the boot.  So, again, fill in the spaces that are allowing the hoof to move in the boot.  This can be done with more air, tighter settings on the wire and clip, marquis insoles, closed cell foam wedges.  The Marquis should fit snug and secure with no slopping, hollow sound when walking, or rotating.  They are designed just like a hoof and act as an outer “skin” of protection for your horses comfort and safety.  marquis is excellent for a transition boot from metal shoes to barefoot.  The resilience and flexibility of the boot constantly allows for hoof mechanism.  Contracted heels are easily fitted with the air chamber. Your transitioning horse will look forward to putting on his/her marquis boots!!

Anxious horse behavior – shifting continuously from one hoof to the other or pawing.

The boot is applied too tight or the horse is unaccustomed to the sensation of the boot on his/her hoof.

Loosen the boot slightly by letting out some air.

Take more time with the introduction of the boot to the horse.  Usually horses adjust very well to the fit of the marquis  because of the excellent, comfortable ergonomic fit.  Occasionally, a very sensitive horse may take some extra time to adapt.