If you own a horse then you'll know that sometimes it will encounter hoof problems. The hoof can be a hard area of the horse to treat because it's always mobile and constantly pounding against the ground. When it comes to providing relief to your horse's hoof, a soaking boot can come in handy. In this guide, we're going to take a look at the best horse soaking boots and how they can benefit your horse.
What are Soaking Boots for Horses and How do they Work?
As the name suggests, soaking boots are designed to be used with water so they're usually made from rubber and other durable materials. They also have to be durable to withstand the weight of the horse and pressure from the hoof.
They'll usually have a rubber base and a fastening to securely attach the boot to the horse's hoof. This means that as well as soaking the foot, they can also be used to protect puncture wounds, bandages or hoof wraps, or to administer medication.
What are the Benefits of Using Horse Soaking Boots?
A soaking boot is primarily used to soak a horse's hoof in water. This is the best way to soften horse hooves or to cool them down after injury or exercise. In some cases, with hard footed horses, farriers may recommend soaking hooves before trimming. A soaking boot can also be used to relieve bruising on a barefoot horse.
Related: Why Horses Wear Shoes and the Best Hoof Boots
Because a hoof soaking boot is so durable, in some cases it can be used to protect the foot of a horse when it's been injured or to help keep a dressing dry and in place. They're also great for treating abscesses, thrush and puncture wounds. Their design means that they're the best way to apply creams, poultices or medication to the hoof.
For extra comfort, protection and to relieve pressure, some soaking boots can also be used with special EVA pads.
Dangers of Soaking Hooves for Too Long
To minimize any problems related to hoof soaking, you should always thoroughly clean and pick your horses' hoof out first. The ideal amount of time to soak hooves is between ten and thirty minutes.
Don't use hot water to soak the horse's hoof, this could burn your horse, use tepid water instead. You shouldn't leave your horse's hoof soaking for more than thirty minutes at a time.
If you soak your horse's hooves for a long time then there is a risk that natural protective oils in the hoof will be removed. The horse's hooves will also become softer, making your horse more susceptible to injury.
If you're going to put a dressing on your horse's hoof after you've soaked them, then make sure that the hoof is completely clean and dry first. Finally, if you think that you may need to use the boot for a long time, more than a few days, then discuss it with your vet.
How to Measure for a Hoof Soaking Boot
For your horse's safety and for it to be effective then the boot must fit well. For this, you need to buy the right size boot and to do this it's best to measure your horse's hooves.
To Measure
Using a tape measure, measure the width of your horse's hoof at it’s widest point. This won't necessarily be across the middle of the sole. The next measurement you need to take is from the heel to the toe. Measure from the buttress line and don't include the bulb of the heel in the measurement.
Sizing
When it comes to finding the best size boot you need to refer to each manufacturers sizing chart. Some are universal size but some will have specific sizing guidelines. You should round your horse's size up not down if you can't find an exact fit.
How to Choose the Best Soaking Boots for Horses
Not all hoof soaking boots are the same so it's important to ask yourself a few things before buying one. Take a look at our guidelines below about the things you should consider when you're selecting a boot for your horse.
Short or Long
When you're looking for a soaking boot for your horse, you'll usually have to choose between short and long ones.
A long boot will cover the horse's hoof as well as the lower legs. This means that they can be used for icing the legs and applying other cold treatments.
A short boot is better for treating specific foot problems. They're generally more secure and better at protecting injuries and keeping hoof wraps in place.
Materials and Durability
A soaking boot has to be pretty durable to withstand the pressure form a horse hoof. They have to be tough enough to protect the foot and they must be waterproof too.
This is why you should look out for materials such as rubber or heavy denier PVC materials when you’re choosing a boot for your horse.
Disposable vs Reusable
As well as rubber soaking boots, you may also come across reusable ones. Reusable soaking boots are small, lightweight and convenient to store and to use. They're less expensive to buy and they usually sold in multipacks.
However, disposable ones aren't a good idea for a horse with metal shoes or horses that like to paw the ground. If you use soaking boots regularly on your horse then it's probably better to invest in reusable ones.
Therapy
If you're looking for a soaking boot with the sole purpose of treating hoof complaints then look for one with special therapeutic features. These could be ones with the option to add an EVA pad or ones that are designed to be used on your horse for turnout.
The 4 Best Soaking Boots for Horses on the Marketplace
There's a lot of soaking boots out there so it can be hard to know where to start looking. To simplify your search, we've reviewed our four favorite soaking boots that are currently available on the market.
1. Shires Poultice Boot
This is a tough, multi-purpose, waterproof soaking boot from Shires. It can be used to help with a range of foot problems as well as for regular soaking. This boot is securely fitted around the top of the hoof which means that it's suitable to be used for turn out. As well as this, it features an anti-slip, textured sole to give your horse extra grip indoors and out in the field.
This is a sturdy boot that's easy to clean and maintain and it offers a good level of hoof protection.
These are some of the most popular disposable boots on the market and they can be used for both soaking and icing. They're made from heavy-duty plastic with a thickness that's equivalent to that of medical saline bags. This makes them pretty durable and some user's report being able to reuse them three or four times.
They're easily secured to your horse's leg using vet wraps or a bandage and they're reasonably priced for a pack of four.
This is a very reasonably priced multi-purpose soaking boot from tough one. It's perfect for using on a range of foot conditions as well as being great for general soaking.
This is a sturdy and secure boot, made from durable rubber which means that it's suitable for turnout. It's secured to the hoof with a strong hook and loop closure. For the ultimate comfort and protection, this boot is triple-layered, making it a great therapy boot.
This boot from Yeezo is one of the bestselling soaking boots on the market and it's a great replacement for the now discontinued Stepnsoak 911.
It is a versatile, easily adjustable boot that fits all hoof sizes and it comes with an EVA pad. It's a heavy-duty, durable boot that’s made from 500D PVC Tarpaulin material. It's a great way to soak the hooves, provide cold therapy on the legs or treat your horse for abscess or other injuries.
This is a long boot with three fastening straps and it folds away easily after you've used it. They're sold as a pair and are available in a range of colors.
Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
What are the best splint boots for horses?
The best splint boots should protect the inside of your equine friend's leg between its knees to its ankles (the splint). However splint boots do not protect the whole fetlock and there's no support for their ligaments and tendons. Another term commonly used is brush boots.
What are bell boots used for on horses?
Bell boots are used to protect your horse's feet from the heel to prevent the front shoes from accidentally being removed by its hind feet. These can be worn on both the back and front, in the barn and also whilst riding. The shape of these boots cover the entire hoof for maximum protection.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best soaking boot for your horse, we'd recommend the Treatment Bag from Yeezo. As well as being versatile and durable, they're great value and come in a range of attractive colors. They come with EVA pads which means they're great for therapy as well as soaking. These are good pair of all-purpose soaking boots to invest in.
As a horse owner, you never know when your horse is going to encounter its next foot problem. This is why it's a good idea to have a soaking boot on hand. A soaking boot can provide relief to bruised soles, protect injuries, and help to heal hoof conditions. By following this guide, you'll be sure to find the best horse soaking boots for you and your horse's needs.
