Hoofwing testimonies

[from an email dated 7/28/08

Hi Frank and Mary,

I cannot emphasize enough about how great your Hoofwings are, my rescue founder pony, Pepsi, moves beautifully in them, perfect heel first landings. I wish I could make a video so you could see how she moves with and without them. My vet told me she’d need special shoeing and Bute her whole life, do to the previous damage done and lack of care by her previous owners. He was here last week and couldn’t believe how well she’s moving. I attached some pics to this email, so you could see her smiling face. J

Forever grateful ~ Alicia Mosher & Pepsi

Pepsi Another example of farrier science.

And Mac didn’t want to be left out of the photo opportunity! He doesn’t go anywhere without his Hoofwings either!

[From an email dated 7/16/08]

I got the boots today....went right out to the barn.

Darlin came out of the stall crippled (as she has been)......picked her hooves, put the boots on......she walked right down the cement isle almost totally sound with her new boots!! The difference with the boots was AMAZING!

HURRAY for Hoofwings!! I am recommending them to everyone in the barn and everyone I know.

I just want to double check....it is OK to leave these on 24 hours a day correct? Ans. Yes.

Thanks Again!

Diane Sullivan

[From an email dated 6/23/08]

Mary,

Sorry to take so long to reply. Life is very hectic on the farm. The boot arrived on Thursday and I could see relief as soon as I put it on him. I had been alternating the remaining hoof wing and the rubber soaking boot between his two front hoofs. Once he had two wings again his movement improved and even his appetite was better. Thank you so much for getting this out so quickly. Flame thanks you as well!

Jan

[From an email dated 6/20/08]

Hooray for Hoofwings! They have been a lifesaver for my miniature horse, Sally, and me. We have to do a lot of our driving on pavement and on gravel paths, and there is lots of construction in our area as well. As a result of all of this, the footing was getting pretty rough, and it was really beginning to bother her. I looked everywhere for a set of boots that would fit a mini with 3"x 3 1/2" hooves, but none were to be found - until I discovered Hoofwings!

Our first pair of Hoofwings have been a great success. They are a great fit - each one being custom made for each foot, they do not rub, and they are easy to put on and take off - no prying necessary. I like them because they do not clamp on the foot in any way, and yet they remain in place and have never slipped. Sally can now go over any ground in complete comfort, and at any gait, including a pretty spirited canter. She is obviously comfortable in her boots and took to them right away. If and when we are going out for a long drive, I do put one turn of vet wrap around the tops of her hooves, just for extra protection. Our first set of boots have worn very well - they've gone quite a few miles with no real signs of wear as yet.

I am so very glad that I discovered Hoofwings. We might well have been "grounded" without them. Thank you so much to Frank and Mary for your patience in answering questions and making sure that Sally got the best fit possible.

I am attaching a photo Sally going for a drive with her Hoofwings on.

Elizabeth Hawkins

[From an email dated 6/10/08]

It has been quite some time since my last communication with you, so here is a quick update.

Canon is still wearing his Hoofwings whenever he goes out on the road either being driven or on the lead rein, although at 28 yrs old his tends to be only about once a month. Unfortunately Felix was diagnosed with Cushings last year and we have struggled to get him sound enough to drive out with Canon. As a result of the Cushings Felix is extremely tender in his feet and is wearing his Hoofwings most of the time which is enabling him to maintain a reasonable level of mobility and quality of life.

We are using the Hoofwings on Tilley as well now (using a pair of Canons partly worn set), she is a Shetland x New Forest and very light on her feet so although she is driving about 15 miles a week, I am expecting her Hoofwings to last really well too.

I have a 3 year old Shetland, Blaze, who I will be breaking to harness this year and intend to put him straight into Hoofwings, at the moment it looks as if he will be the same size as the others.

Charmer has now been without shoes for about 18 months, and has not suffered from abscesses as he had previously. I drive him most weekends and he has finally worn out his Hoofwings. The milometer on the trap is indicating that he has done just over 200 miles in one set which is amazing considering it is predominantly road work and he was wearing through a set of steel shoes every 6 weeks. Being without shoes has allowed his feet to regain a more natural shape for a Shetland and they no longer break away as they had.

Which brings me to the main purpose of this communication. I would like to place an order for a new pair of Hoofwings for Charmer, he will require the next size up which I believe is the 4" x 4-1/2" now his feet have regained their proper shape.

Thanks,

Rachael

[From an email dated 6/2/08]

Dear Frank:

Sally is now wearing her boots very regularly, and lately has been

cantering in harness along the dike in them (along the banks of the Fraser River). Her

boots stay right in place and she is obviously comfortable in them. I do

use a turn of vet wrap on each foot under the boots, and it works just fine.

Without these boots, I simply would not be able to drive her, so they are real

lifesavers. I will try to get a good picture of her being driven in her boots

very soon.

Another thing I like about the hoofwings is that they are so easy to get on and off - no screwdrivers or

other tools necessary, and the boots are not held in any kind of vice grip on her

feet - they just fit well.

In the meantime, I think I would like to order another pair for her - just to

have them. The originals seem to be showing very little wear, and might last

forever, but I think it would be wise to have a second pair, particularly as

she is really dependant upon them. Could you tell me what the price would be

and if you take Visa - I've sort of forgotten.

As for purchase, she uses boots on all four feet, so I am presuming that the

cost of an extra set would be 2 x $159 for 4 feet. I am assuming also that you

still have her measurements on file?

Many thanks,

Elizabeth

[From an email dated 4/9/08]

Hello, here is a picture of me and Chief in his Hoof Wings. I wanted to get him all cleaned up for the photo, but we had such a good muddy ride yesterday that I thought this one was appropriate!

You have no idea what the Hoof Wings have done for this horse! They got their first big test on Sunday. We did 3 1/2 hours of riding at Mohican State Forest with our trail riding club. We went through rocks, knee deep mud, and crossed 4 rivers without any problems. I would have stopped Chief to make sure he was doing OK, but he didn't want to stop! It was only the second time he had worn the boots, and there was not one rub mark when I took them off. He was sweaty, but still ready to go after the ride.

I have tried a range of other boots. Most of them are either very hard to get on or they are so clunky I am afraid he's going to trip over himself. I was also concerned they were doing more harm than good because of the way they rubbed. The Hoof Wings were easy to get on, no one had to wait for me to take off on our ride. And no rubbed heel bulbs! But here is what I like most about your company. My horse is just a back yard trail horse, but you took as much time as I needed to answer my questions and get him fitted into his boots. You showed true concern for his health and well being. That made all the difference!

Thanks again,

Holly and Chief

ps- My other horse, Poco, wore a pair of old macs that got sucked off in the mud after 20 minutes. I will be measuring him today for his Hoof Wings!

[From and email dated 1/8/08]

Hi Mary, hope you had a happy holiday! Monti has been wearing his hoofwings for 2 weeks now. We are flabbergasted at the change in him within 15 minutes of the first try. After a little high stepping down the hall we went out to the pasture and away he went! He's such an easy keeper we have no trouble taking them on and off. The brio is back in his eyes and his whole attitude has changed because he no longer hurts! Gaits beautifully! He's 15 yr old Paso Fino. I've had him since he was 2 and we're in love!! Have recommended you folks to 2 different people so far! Can't thank you enough for all your help and the phone calls. They were not expensive but worth a million to see him feel good again. Picture forthcoming!! Happy New Year to all of you.

Sincerely,

Gayle and Del Taylor, Brandon, MS

[From a card dated 12/29/07]

...Here is "Bill" at Middletown High School Homecoming. Oct. 19, 2007. Cami is the driver and Heather is the assistant. ...

Thank you so much. I love these boots!

Merry Christmas!

Joyce Tucker

[From an email dated 12/10/07]

Hi Frank & Mary,

Here is my testimonial.....

Easy to use and convenient is how I would describe "hoofwings", they work very well for CJ when I'm driving him over the gravel roads in NH. Mary and Frank I can't thank you enough for helping me find a solution to CJ's "ouchy" feet .....which wasn't easy for CJ's tiny feet.....

Have a good day!

Sue

[From an email dated 11/21/07

Hi,

Thank you so much for the wings. I have used them and they work great.

Astrid Nemer

[From an email dated 7/19/07]

Hi Mary & Frank ~

I’ve been spreading the word of greatness for Hoofwings, but I recently saw this post on a barefoot message board and thought I’d pass it on to you, just FYI:

I have had good experience with the Hoof Wings, but they are a lot
more expensive and are not designed for the type trail riding that I
do. (They say so on their frequently asked questions page of their
website). They have not rubbed or fallen off, are lightweight, and
have good traction, but they are weakly made...the thread has already
started to break (they are sewn on a sewing machine) and are showing
extreme wear after only a few rides. If they would beef them up
without adding much more weight, they would be the ideal boot.

Personally I think they’re great boots!

Hugs to y’all ~ & the herd!

[My response to the above email]

Thank you for the information. I wish she had returned her Hoofwings to be repaired.

Personally, I think her post is actually favorable. After all, she does point out the best features of Hoofwings. "They have not rubbed or fallen off, are lightweight, and have good traction." If we made them stronger they would be heavier. Heavy boots cause rubbing and affect gaits.

We always look for ways to make Hoofwings more durable. But not if it means they'll weight more.

Sincerely,

Frank

[From an email dated 7/6/07]

Hello, Mary and Frank

I must tell you how wonderful it is to have my horse ask for his Hoofwings...he perks up when he sees me with them! He's a different horse with his Hoofwings, he's sooooo comfortable, and sooooo happy, and grateful really. It brings tears to my eyes just trying to describe how much the loaner wings have helped him. We can hardly wait to get his very own!

Take care,

Alicia Mosher & Mac & Gypsy

[From an email dated 4/3/07]

Frank/Mary I think of you two all the time. I want to thank you so much for helping us with Belle. The Hoofwings saved her. She is doing very well now. She is going in for X-Rays the middle of the month to see how the interior of her hoof is doing. She now only wears her boots after her feet are trimmed. She is extremely happy Donkey now. She knows that the boots help her and she can now run the two and a half acres without stopping. Hope all is well with you and your family. Keep in touch. Sharon & Jim Ganschow and BELLE

[From an email dated 2/24/07]

Hi Mary and Frank:

The Hoofwings arrived safely on Wednesday and Eli has been wearing them every day. They are the perfect solution to his foot problems, easy to fit and stay on just fine.

Thank you so much for your great service, and I hope the sample boots arrived back o.k., I mailed them about two weeks ago.

I will recommend your product whenever I can!

Cheers,

Rose

Rose Bennett

C-112, Site 2, R.R. #1

Mayne Island, BC V0N 2J0

Canada

[From an email dated 1/31/07]

Belle's Story.

In May of 2004 we had a call about two Donkeys that needed to be rescued. A Standard and a miniature. We went to see them and brought them home. Both had been neglected. Belle was the worst. Her feet had not been trimmed for a long time. She had founder. After being sedated our farrier Kevin Keeler, using the Newer Natural Balance Trimming, had her feet back into shape. Although the hooves looked good on the outside, she had problems in the inside. Damage to the coffin bone and the solar corium. We dealt with her lameness and abscesses. We treated them and taped diapers to her feet for padding. The last ordeal with another abscess was the worst. We took her in to the Vet for X-Rays which showed how much hoof could actually be trimmed. Back to changing diapers on her feet every other day. A friend told us about the Hoofwings. We got her into a pair right away. She took to them and loved them. The first time we actually saw her run more than a few yards without stopping. She likes to show them off when people come to visit. It is so nice to see the sparkle back in her eyes.

We would like to thank everyone who helped get Belle back running with the herd, Kevin, Linda and Mike and the staff at Idaho Equine Hospital and especially Frank and Mary at HorseSneaker Hoofwear who got her into her Hoofwings so fast.

Thanks also to Sue Myers for taking the time to photograph Belle in her new boots.

Jim and Sharon Ganschow

Star Idaho

[From an email dated 1/22/07]

Hi Frank & Mary

Hope everything is going well for you guys. Belle is doing great. She is running again. Have been telling everyone about her wonderful Hoofwings and how they saved her. Just got back from the Vets paying her last bill for X-Rays and for our little 8 month old that was so sick when she came home from being boarded to be weaned. Saw Belle out in the pasture running around with the herd. Yaaa.

Take care and thanks so much.

Sharon

[From an email dated 1/19/07]

Dear Mary & Frank,

Just over a year ago I purchased Hoofwings for my horse Tango and for 3

other horses in my care here in the UK.

It was a big decision to take off their shoes and go 'barefoot' but I am now

really seeing the benefits and I have 4 very happy, healthy horses and a

fantastic equine podiatrist who recommended your boots to me.

The Hoofwings we purchased have been great, we can cover most terrain in

most weather conditions without worrying about sore feet the next day.

So happy 2007 - hope all is going well for you and a very big thank you from

me and the Boys!!

Kind regards

Heather Boodle

[From an email dated 1/11/07]

Hi Mary,

I wanted to email you and tell you I've ridden Lilly twice now in her new Hoofwings (rec'd just after Xmas) and I'm very impressed!! I was amazed how quickly she became 'used' to them and how quickly she demonstrated a new confidence in where she placed her hooves!!! Almost hard to believe! We've only done two —45 minute trail rides—so that I'm gaining confidence in how she travels now as well! (she goes faster with her boots on).

I did want to ask if I need to worry about any rubbing on the back of her heel bulbs? The hair there looks kind of 'messed up' after I remove the boots; but no evidence of rubbing — but I wanted to ask? I've never had boots I could actually use; so I have no experience with what to look out for. Once I got the 'hang' of how the boots go on — they are very easy to use!!! Also, I wanted to ask what the strap is for that fastens loosely over the top of the wings?

To sum it up — I'm VERY please with Lilly's Hoofwings — I would tremendously recommend these to anyone who'd like my opinion!!

Meg Leidinger

Prescott Arizona

After I responded to Meg's concern about, "messed up" hair she sent me the following email on 1/12/07.

Hello Frank,

Thank you for your quick reply to my email. Of course, you can print

on your testimonials page any and all of my emails about Lilly's boots!!

Thanks also for your answers to my questions......I'll ask again if

anything arises!

I will be happy to get you a picture of Lilly in her boots and me

riding her in her boots...........I'll email it to you. Give me a week

or so........it got quite cold and nasty here in Prescott these past

couple of days and will be unpleasant throughout the weekend

unfortunately! And as I mentioned before, Lilly is a little more

'energetic' now with her obvious new found comfort in her Hoofwings.

I noticed it riding her and my husband who was watching me the first

day I rode her in her new boots...........could see a definite change

in how she travels. Makes me think she was experiencing more

pain/discomfort than I was aware of before when I rode her completely

barefoot. I had been being very careful as to where I rode her in

regards to rocks or gravel, but I think she probably in general was not

as comfortable as I had thought.

She is a Tenn. Walking horse and now in her Hoofwings -- she 'sits back'

and just likes to GO. (we're going to have to work on that) :-)

Have a great day.....I'll be in touch soon!!

Meg Leidinger

Laststop@commspeed.net

[From an email dated 12/29/06]

Hi Mary,

I wanted you to know how impressed I am with the Hoofwings I have purchased and the personal service I have received.

When I called to inquire about Hoofwings you graciously quizzed me about my need for removable boots to set me up with the right sized wings and socks to transition my barefoot horses feet. You had also offered to let me know if a pair of reconditioned boots became available in the size I needed, which you did today.

I have ridden my horse out on snow covered leaves this fall and was pleased with the traction he got from the Hoofwings. I walked him through the wooded paths that had up to 4" of snow and he didn't miss a step. This past weekend I needed to cross 12" deep crusted snow and an icy 2 rut road to get to my trails. The boots were not phased by the deep snow and the horse did not slip on the ice with the boots on the fores, but he did slide with the barefoot hinds. We were cautious as we negotiated slick footing.

Thank you for being so kind and patient and providing such a good product.

Margo

[From an email dated 11/22/06]

Dearest Frank and Mary,

I just want to start by saying THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for making such a wonderful product.

Our barefoot journey began in February 2005. Without Hoofwings we never would have been able to do it. As you know we had 2 injuries since then with lots of lay up and lost time but we're finally BAREFOOT.

We just came back from an 8 mile trail pace. I used the Hoofwings because he just came back from his most recent injury and I was afraid to be without them. I tend to get a little dependent on them, but my horse always lets me know when he's ready, because all of a sudden he'll keep pulling them off. It takes me awhile but after about the 3rd time I finally get the message and off they come and he's fine. I was apprehensive about going on the trail pace; one because he just started working again and two because we had terrible rain all week before the trail ride and I was worried about the Hoofwings staying on. There was one water crossing and lots of deep thick mud from all the rain. Well let me tell you, the Hoofwings stayed on through it all. My friends who I rode with were all amazed. We went through some of the deepest muck I've ever been through and when we came out the Hoofwings were still on. We trotted, we cantered we galloped and even had a couple of bucks in there. Through it all, after 8 miles they were fine. AMAZING!

The day after the trail pace I rode without the Hoofwings and he's doing great. After his last injury and lay-up his soles were very thin and sensitive. The first thing my Vet wanted me to do was to put shoes back on him, but I wouldn’t, I couldn't. My Vet saw how serious I was about keeping him barefoot and suggested that I turn him out in his Hoofwings. We did that and it worked. He wore them in turnout for 9 hours a day. The Hoofwings held up great and the difference in his soles in just 3 weeks was amazing. His soles are thick and hard now. I can’t wait for my Vet to come and see our progress. He will be truly amazed. This is a horse that every Farrier and Vet said could never be barefoot. I know there may come times when he may get a little sore but that’s ok, because we always have our Hoofwings handy. Again, Mary and Frank, thank you. Thank you for all that you are.

Forever Grateful,

Michelle

[From a letter dated 11/16/06]

Dear Mary:

Thank you for the Hoofwings. Enclosed is a photo of Fabio dancing in his Hoofwings. He actually loves them. Now he can be ridden. His feet are slowly getting better. I can't wait till they are all better. I am grateful to you for the Hoofwings.

Sincerely,

Sherilyn Allen VMD

[From a message left on our answering machine 11/7/06]

"Hello Ms. Winn,

I used the Hoofwings on a three mile walk. Next time on a three mile trail and trotted. Some gallop; not much. I'm really happy. I really appreciate my horse's comfort with them. That's the main thing. That's what counts. His well being.

Thank you so much.

Frankie"

[From an email dated 10/16/06]

Frank

It is nearly a year since I last wrote to you. Canon and Felix have used

their Hoofwings through the year and have been very happy with them. In

addition, we experienced abscess problems with Charmer this summer and he

'borrowed' Canons Hoofwings (luckily they are the same size) which has

meant that I could continue to drive him and have done many miles.

Our farrier has been particularly interested in them and I believe he has

recommended them to clients.

The Hoofwings are however beginning to show signs of wear to the soles (I

am amazed how long they have lasted when Charmer can wear out steel shoes in 6

weeks).

My only problem with them is that the neoprene started to split at the back

and I had to have them repaired.

I would like to order another set, can you let me know what the current

price is and how long it would take for delivery. Would it be cheaper if I

ordered 2 sets?

regards

Rachael

[From an email dated 10/3/06]

I am soooooo thankful that Sandy found you guys. Gold is doing so well, she's back to fixing my hair and giving me kisses. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't believe the difference.

Melinda Barnhill

[From a letter dated 9/20/06]

Laminitas/Founder There is help!

Are you now, or have you ever had to experience the heart break that goes along with laminitis? The choices we are given are slim to none for recovery. The pain, fear, anguish and trauma your horse lives through is close to unbearable. Much less the anguish you yourself must endure. I have lived this experience. My horse has also had to endure this experience. But through the grace of God we were given another chance.

This is where I learned about the Hoofwing boots. The opportunity to use this product gave my horse the immediate relief she so desperately needed. It also gave us the courage to bear the long process of recovery. We are 2 years into our recovery program. And for the last year I am once again riding and enjoying the trails. My peace of mind is in knowing relief for my horse is just a couple of boots away.

I believe so strongly in the Hoofwing product that I have become a representative in my area. My goal is to give the help and hope to others that are facing this problem. If you would like to know more about the Hoofwing boot and how it can help with your personal need please feel free to give me a call. Remember, I have lived through this tragedy.

Thank you for taking your time to read this. I can be reached at: 520-457-9311 or cell: 520-255-2847.

Thank you again,

Gail Sheppard

Read Gail and Bea Jay's story

[From an email dated 9/13/06]

The Hoofwings are just marvelous. You can't hardly tell Reno's "touchy" from the founder with these shoes on. It really is amazing. He went from laying down in the front yard looking like he was giving up on life, to "mudsliding" down a hill to get to his food the hard way. You guys have given him his hoof confidence back with these. They are easy for me to get off/on with the wings and the notched adjustment. Gosh, you have made his life. I have no doubt I would've lost him within 2 weeks from dehydration and lack of desire for life. He was so terribly depressed he refused water. Now, he's not only grazing all over the fields, but he is TROTTING with the herd and up to get his food. His badly abscessed heels are protected with the socks (and almost healed!) and the Hoofwings allow the bottom of his foot/bad sole to be protected from all the sharp rocks. (He must be road re-foundering, based on how much better he's doing with these on.) Like I was talking to Mary, we have tried quite a few different boots. I have a pair of torn up Easy boots in the garage and countless torn up others. The Hoofwings have been through already more than the others and aren't even showing wear. My husband helped me put them on and said, "That's it?? My gosh, they aren't even ripping!" HA! I said, "It's great, isn't it? It's because THEY ACTUALLY FIT!" I am still yet to figure out what Easy boots fit, certainly not any foot I've ever seen. I have two other very sound, absolutely natural hooved horses and I stuck Easys on for giggles...let me tell you, it was hilarious! Jake, my little pest, limped over like I had affixed a bucket to his foot, and Blue, the blind horse, refused to move as if I had glued cement blocks on him and had plans of his demise in the river. Jake finally just held one foot up and then the other pathetically. I put one of the Hoofwings on Jake to see what he would do and even though it was a bit long, he still walked off without a show. SO, you passed with the "Drama club" AND the re-habbing foundered horse!

Thank you guys, again...it brings tears to my eyes to see what he's becoming with your help.

Horse hugs!
Mandy and Reno (and the rest of the gang!)

[From an email dated 8/30/06]

Dear Mary,