My 5 yr old Perch is in training for driving. Part of the program involves taking her on paved country roads. She's got a fast hitchy walk and prefers to trot as well. Her hooves have started to crack and the trainer has recommended borium shoes. (I've started applying Corona ointment and Cornucresine to her hooves.) Though I'd prefer not to shoe, I don't want her hooves to sustain injury either. When she gets the hang of traveling straight and her condition is better (she is still a tad overweight), there won't be so much work on pavement, maybe 5-6 miles every couple of weeks.

I've looked at Old Mac boots and Renegades. Reviews indicate that they are all difficult to put on initially but do last for over a year, making them cheaper than having the horse shod every 6-8 weeks in the long run.

Two questions: 1. Since the cracks are appearing, should I have her shod with borium shoes now and will that prevent further damage? 2. Are boots a good alternative to shoes? Do they really protect the feet from the pounding pavement better than shoes?

Thanks for any advice.

Your questions are ones that have been bounced around by farriers, owners, trainers, cavalry, buggy-drivers, etc. for years. The answer is pretty much this: If the feet are wearing faster than they can grow, they need protection. Shoeing with iron shoes and nails is the most cost-efficient, easiest, and time-tested of the methods out there. I have found that boots are not very user-friendly for what you are wanting to do. There is also a cost, durability, and time issues to think about.

To answer your questions directly, most cracks are superficial, and shoeing or trimming can be useful. If the cracks are bad enough to cause lameness, then we are talking about something else. Secondly, boots can be a good alternative in some very specialized cases, (in my humble opinion). From your description of your current situation, I think I would have a good set of shoes nailed on this horse by a competent farrier craftsman.