Traditionally, horses have always worn shoes to protect their feet but more recently, owners also have the option of using a hoof boot. A hoof boot can be put onto the foot of a horse easily and doesn't need nails to stay in place. When it comes to buying a boot, you must select the right one for your horse. In this guide, we're going explore everything you need to know about hoof boots. This way you'll confidently be able to pick out the best hoof boots for you and your horse's needs.
The Importance of Hoof Boots for Horses
Just like traditional metal shoes, the main function of a hoof boot is to protect the horses' hooves, especially during exercise. A hoof boot provides shock absorption, traction and helps to distribute weight on the horse's foot. Unlike a metal shoe, a hoof boot will allow the hoof to expand and contract during exercise.
What are Hoof Boots Used for?
A hoof boot isn't just good for exercising your horse, it can serve many different purposes. This is why any horse owner can benefit from having a hoof boot around. Below, we'll take a look at the different uses for hoof boots.
1. Transitionary Phase from Shoes to Barefoot
These days, many owners are choosing to leave their horses barefoot, without shoes. Often when a horse is making the transition from traditional shoes to a barefoot hoof they'll have a very sensitive foot and sole at first. A hoof boot can be used when the shoe has been removed for the first time to help protect over-sensitive soles, heel and toes. A hoof boot will also give the horse's hooves time to strengthen and recover from wearing shoes.
2. Extra Traction
Riders who live in icy climates or who do lots of riding on asphalt enjoy using hoof boots to give them extra traction. The tread on some hoof boots is designed to provide extra safety when riding on slippery surfaces. Some even have the option to add studs for extra grip and security.
3. Rough Terrain
If a trail is particularly rough or rocky then you may want to use hoof boots to protect the feet of your horse. No matter how hard the barefoot hoof is, sometimes the sole may still need protection. Some hoof boots are designed to be used alongside traditional metal shoes. Using a hoof boot alongside traditional shoes will provide maximum hoof and sole protection in rocky terrain.
4. Medicinal
A hoof boot can be very useful for a range of medical conditions or emergencies of the horse's hoof and sole. It’s the perfect way to keep a hoof abscess dressing in place or to help horses suffering from a painful condition such as navicular or laminitis. A hoof boot makes a great alternative to a metal shoe for a flat footed horse or a horse that has weak or crumbling hoof walls. Always consult your vet or farrier before using a hoof boot for medicinal or remedial purposes.
5. Spare Shoe
If your horse wears shoes then chances are that it’s going to lose one unexpectedly at some point. Having a hoof boot on hand is a great way to keep your horse's hoof and sole protected until the farrier arrives. This is especially good for preventing further damage in cases where the hoof or sole has been injured by the shoe coming off.
How Long Can you Leave a Hoof Boot on a Horse for?
A hoof boot is primarily designed to be used for short periods in supervised conditions, like during exercise for example. If your horse needs to wear a boot long term or for turnout then you should choose one that is made specifically for that purpose. Always start by using a hoof boot for short periods so that your horse can get used to it. Work the time up slowly and never put it on for long periods straight away. If your horse does need to wear a hoof boot long term then consider using it with bandages or a foam pad in the sole for extra comfort.
Are Hoof Boots Better Than Shoes for a Horse?
This all comes down to the horse and the owner's preference. Some horses will be better with traditional shoes while others may be better off in boots. If a horse has poor foot and sole confirmation then boots may be the only option. Though hoof boots may seem like an expensive outlay, compared to traditional shoes, a good pair can potentially last a couple of years.
How to Size and Measure a Horse for Hoof Boots
For your horse's safety and comfort then the boot must fit your horse correctly. This means that you must buy the right size boot and to do this you need to measure your horse's hooves. You should measure hooves just after they’ve been trimmed and measure each one individually.
1. Measuring
Use a tape measure to measure the width of the foot at it’s widest point. This won't necessarily be across the middle of the sole and it may well be a different point on each foot.
The next measurement you need to take is from the heel to the toe. You should measure from the buttress line and don’t include the bulb of the heel. Aim to measure from the furthest weight bearing point of the hoof down to the toe. Another way that you can take the measurement is by tracing around the hoof onto a piece of cardboard or paper. You can then measure the drawing for an accurate size.
2. Size
When it comes to finding the right size boot then you should carefully consider each manufacturers size chart. Each boot will have its specific sizing guidelines, it's not a case of one size fits all. You should round your horse's hoof size up not down if you can't find an exact fit.
Also, consider the shape of your horse's hooves. Some horses have round hooves while others have more oval-shaped ones. When it comes to choosing hoof boots for hind feet, it's worth noting that hind feet are generally narrower and longer than front feet. Make sure you choose the right shaped boots for your horse.
3. Fitting
Equine horse boots should fit securely on your horse's feet with no rubbing or twisting. If the boot is twisting then it’s probably too wide, if it’s rubbing then it’s too short. Always take time to break the boots in slowly before going out on a long ride. When it comes to hoof boots for ponies then choose a mini hoof boot for the best fit.
Because the shape of horse hooves can change over time then it's better to measure your horses feet every time you want to buy a new boot. This is especially true when your horse is making the transition towards going barefoot. Potentially, the shape of hooves can change a lot when they're re-growing after shoes have been removed.
How to Choose the Best Horse Hoof Boots
Buying a pair of hoof boots for your horse is a big investment so you want them to last a long time. By following our guide below, you’ll be sure to find the perfect boots for you and your horse's needs.
1. Type of Boot
You must buy the right boot for the job so first consider what you need to use the boot for. If you’re looking for boots for riding then make sure the ones you choose are designed to be ridden in. If you need a boot for medicinal purposes then choose a medical type boot that’s good for supporting foot conditions. Often, medicinal boots aren’t designed to be ridden.
2. Riding Discipline
Choose boots that are suitable to be used in your preferred riding discipline. If you do a lot of trail riding then choose heavy, durable horse trail boots. If you like dressage and equitation then choose a lighter sports-type boot. A sporty boot won't hold up to the demands of trail riding and a dressage boot will be too thick and heavy for dressage.
3. Sole and Durability
If you're on the trail covering a lot of rough terrain then the best horse boots for trail riding are ones with thick, durable soles and a heavy tread. If you usually ride over smoother, softer terrain then its better to choose a boot with a thinner sole and lighter tread. The soles of therapeutic boots will usually have softer soles to provide more cushioning and protection to the foot.
4. Special Features
Sometimes, debris can get stuck in the boot and cause irritation to the horses' foot. If you ride a lot on gritty surfaces, such as sand, then choose a boot that has extra protection against dirt and debris. You can also use bandages, special socks or a pastern collar along with the boot to keep debris out and to prevent rubbing.
To provide a little extra cushioning on the soles then choose a boot that allows you to add comfort pads. This is particularly good for flat footed horses or ones recovering from illness or injury. If you live in snowy or icy climate or ride a lot on smooth surfaces such as asphalt then look for boots with extra traction or with the option of adding studs.
How to Take Care of a Hoof Boot
A good boot can potentially last a few years, so to get them most out of your boot you must take good care of it. Always clean a boot after it's been used, you can do this with a stiff brush or use water if necessary.
A hoof boot will be exposed a lot of wear and tear under a horse's foot so you should check the boot for damage after each use. Before storing your boot away, make sure that it's clean and dry, a damp boot can develop mold pretty easily.
You should store the boot all fastened up so that it retains it's shape when it's not being used.
Reviews of the Six Best Horse Hoof Boots on the Market
When it comes to searching for the best boots for horses, you'll find many choices on the market. To help make your search a little easier, we’ve reviewed our six favorite hoof boots below.
1. Cavallo Trek Regular Sole Hoof Boot
The Cavallo Trek is a top of the line hoof boot that has equal width and length measurements making it good for a horse with round hooves. It features built-in sole relief which takes the pressure off the soles, bars and frog. These are lightweight, all-terrain, multi-purpose boots with a breathable, durable, abrasion-resistant pro mesh upper making them the best trail riding boots for horses.
The outside tread pattern supports the hoof wall minimizes pressure on the sole and provides excellent traction while allowing natural movement. It’s fitted to the hoof with a patented, replaceable, velcro closure system which is strong and secure yet comfortable for your horse. These are great hoof boots for hacking.
The EasyCare Easyboot Epic are epic by name and epic by nature. They are one of the toughest boots on the market that will stay on your horse's foot throughout the toughest conditions. They’re particularly good for horses who are prone to losing boots and they easily take on the challenge of wet, muddy and snowy conditions.
They feature low comfort straps and reinforced gaiters that fold back for easy fitting and a new cable buckle design for extra security. Their comfort and durability make the Easyboot Epic one of the best hoof boots for endurance riding.
The Easyboot Cloud is a new therapeutic booting system making it good for horses suffering from chronic conditions of the foot and sole. It can also help to reduce the recovery time for horses that have had surgery or injuries. The cloud boot has three air vents that provide the optimum airflow inside the boot. The seams and edges are made from industrial Cordura and there’s a padded collar for extra comfort over the pastern area.
The Cloud hoof boot features an EVA comfort pad on the sole for support, and a tread that reduces the load on the peripheral hoof wall. For easy fitting and removal the back of the boot folds down and it’s secured with a velcro closure. This is a fantastic therapeutic hoof boot to invest in.
This top of the range sport boot from Cavallo provides all-terrain hoof protection for the barefoot horse. It has a low profile design with a unique tread and built-in drainage and shock absorption, allowing for the natural expansion and contraction of hooves during riding.
These are great hoof boots for jumping and other sporty disciplines. The moulded, abrasion-resistant back flap offers bulb protection and the industrial-grade velcro fasteners keep the boot securely in place. For extra safety, the boots include a heel skid break for slippery terrain and reflective seams for maximum visibility.
This boot is sleek, lightweight and stylish and features waterproof thread, rustproof metal and a high-performance TPU outsole making them the best hoof boots for dressage.
This is another high-quality hoof boot from Cavallo that provides all-terrain hoof protection. The genuine leather upper is durable, comfortable and flexible and it features double velcro straps for a precise comfortable fit.
This is a multi-purpose boot with a simplistic design that can be used for riding treating injuries and helping with rehabilitation. These are the best hoof boots for thoroughbreds with a sensitive sole.
These equine hoof boots are specifically designed to help with rehabilitation and other conditions associated with the hoof and sole. This means that they’re not suitable for riding but they can be used for turnout and traveling.
This is a high-quality boot that’s recommended by veterinarians and hoof care professionals. It features a durable rubber sole and it’s well ventilated which will allow the hoof to breathe. The boot is designed to hold paste, gels or medication onto the hoof. Each boot is sold complete with an easy-care comfort pad.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best horse hoof boots for then we highly recommend the Cavallo Trek Hoof Boots. These boots are versatile and can be used in a range of different riding conditions. Your horse will find these boots comfortable and you’ll be very happy with the grip and protection they provide. The Cavallo Trek boots are tough, durable and make the perfect trail boots for horses
As you can see, horse boots are much more than replacements for a traditional shoe. They can help a lot when it comes to treating foot issues and making the transition for a horse to go barefoot. Make sure you measure for your horse for boots first and always choose ones that are fit for purpose. By following these simple points, you’ll be sure to find the best hoof boots for your horse.
