Well, had been using the nylon stockings for our training rides for a while with some fairly good luck, so I figured it was time to try them on an actual ride. I have been doubling up on them, using a pair on each leg, and it seemed to working well on the training rides, like I said.
Unfortunately , they did not work to well on the actual ride. After the first loop Fortune had rubs on all four pasterns, the front legs actually down to the point of bleeding. I removed the boots and stockings and replaced them with vet wrap and we completed the ride with no more problems. I am at a loss as to what to use to not get rubs.
I have been experimenting with some different fabrics and making "socks" out of them but have not really found anything I like except for the some really thin neoprene. The first pair I had made didn't fit her (made them too small) so I'm having another set made. My idea is to have them cover from the coronary band all the way up to ankle and be able to fold them over the velco on the gaiter. I do not have any trouble with her heel bulbs or anything esle being rubbed just her pasterns from the gaiters. I think the neoprene will work if I can get it to the size where I can pull it up over her hoof like a sock. I would like it to be a one piece construction. I thought about velcro but decided against it. The neoprene I'm using is 2mm thick which is very thin and I have also found a place that sells "breathable" neoprene which might be even more worth looking into if these "socks" work as I'm am a bit reluctant to use neoprene in the heat, but again, it is covering a small area and the gaiters are neoprene as well so it may not be an issue. I had it stitched top and bottom to keep the neoprene from tearing but did not use elastic thread which the lady who is making these for said I can get and would probably help. When I did try to stretch it over Fortunes foot the thread broke (didn't help being too small either) but it did stretch quiute a bit before that happened so something learned in making each of things. I hope to have newer ones this week to try. I'll keep ya'll posted.
Safe Riding,
Todd
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Could you post a photo of the leg and where you are having problems? I am curious about this. Which boots? (If you already have I apologize...memory is the first thing to go!)
Posted by: Dawn Willoughby | September 17, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Hi Dawn,
It's actually on all 4 legs that I get rubs. Fronts seem to be the worse though. I'll get some pictures to you. As far as the boots, I'm using Bares. I love them. I really hope my idea works. We are going to do a 100 miler in the boots at the end of Oct so if they work I'd like to use my "socks" at that ride. I stillhave to go a pick the new ones I have had made up to try them.
Safe Riding,
Todd
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Posted by: Todd Hezeau | September 22, 2008 at 10:03 AM