Since there are a lot of mule lovers out there, we have included the article below in our September newsletter on tips for booting your mules. There is also a special page on our website for all you "long ear" lovers. It includes tips, photographs and special links that can answer your questions about hoof care. You can click here to see our new mule page.
Mules typically have longer feet than horses, as measured from the toe to the heel buttress. In addition, they also have steeper angles and larger heel bulbs. The three biggest challenges that you will face when booting are; sizing the boot, getting the gaiter to fit over the heel bulbs and determining what you can and cannot adjust.
1. Of all the boots we offer, Bares and Epics work the best. We have heard success stories with Old Mac's (when used with inserts) but not to the extent of the other two boots.
2. Proper fit, of course, is of the utmost importance. (We will talk about the gaiter later. Later Gaiter!) Know how to measure and do it twice right after a fresh trim.
3. Look carefully at the size chart. The upper end of the measurement on the chart is the actual physical dimension of the inside of the boot. For example, a size 1 Epic/Bare boot is 4 7/8" wide and 5 1/8" long. The boot will be too wide if your length exceeds your width by more than one size on the chart. If this is the case with your mule, we do not recommend the boots.
Comments