Are steel-capped boots safer than non-capped ones when working with horses? I have been told that sometimes if a horse steps on you, the steel crushing into your foot is more dangerous than if you just had normal wellies on, as at least with normal wellies there is some flexibility. Any horsey people out there got any experience with this? Thanks!
Safety footwear is sold in a huge range of shops and from mail order web sites and catalogues. Google for safety footwear retailers in your area. Don't use eBay because you really don't want to trust second hand (foot) safety shoes of boots.
Having had horses tap-dance on my toes while I was wearing normal leather boots, resulting in loss of toenails every now and then, I gotta say that steel-toed boots sound like an awfully good idea.
Hey Bunny:) Glad you asked! I know of no one ,at all,that thinks steel toes are better than good reflexes and the ability to move faster! Wellies give flex,Sport shoes give speed, Jods(Paddocks) are the work boot of choice..and if there is one thing we know about horses, nothing happens in slo-mo! There is a fiberglass toe protector a person could use.. I guess..not this person though. Added to the factor that they have that bumpy sole not suited for riding, and a bad heel, and are just plain too heavy. And ankles! nothing special there. My flatmate(roomie) is an Equine reproduction Vet and a Polo Player, and no-one there has anything but jods and wellies. No clunky boots please:) Come to think of it, its been years since Ive mashed a foolish toe..and that takes into account trailering vetting and young-stock work....Yes I vote for movement over safety ** there are no horse-goods for sale with toe caps ** Three cheers for mobility bunny! (and wellies disinfect real nice too)
In all my experience as a farrier steel toes have neither helped nor caused any problem. I would be a vary rare case that the horse would be able to collapse the steel and with that much force the steel bending would be the last of your problems because your foot would have been completely destroyed without it. I agree with being alert a nd trying to get your feet out of the way. The few times i've been hurt the horse has chopped down toe first on the arch of my foot high above where there steel is any way. I've oddly enough never had a problem with getting my toes stepped on it really doen't seem to hurt if they land flat footed.
