Explora Hoof Boots Guide:
Review, How To Fit, & FAQs
Explora Hoof Boots are the most versatile and adjustable horse boots on the market. Developed in Spain, these hoof boots are the product of many years of studying the horse, their hooves, and overall equine performance. The result of all this research is a lightweight, easy-to-clean boot that allows horses to maintain their natural freedom of movement—regardless of hoof size or shape.
To help you decide if Explora is the right choice for you and your horse, Riding Warehouse customer Charnelle shares her experience of using the Explora Magic Hoof Boots on her gelding, Monte. We will also address how to fit the Explora Magic Hoof Boots and answer a few common questions. Check out our video and read the full review below!
Explora Magic Hoof Boot Review
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My name is Charnelle Henry, and I had the wonderful opportunity to try out the Explora Magic Hoof Boots. Since going barefoot on all my horses over 15 years ago, I have been able to try out many different types of hoof boots for my equine partners. That being said, I would love to share my own experience of using the Explora boots.
My main horse, Monte, has a slightly clubbed front hoof, so having a boot that can accommodate a higher-set heel was truly helpful. While these boots offer a huge amount of adjustment options, having to flip around the side anchor piece to extend the length of the boot was not an easy task. It definitely required an extra buddy in order to complete the job. Fortunately, it is something you would only need to do once. Once I had made all my necessary adjustments to the boot, it became a super quick and easy process to get them on and off.
Another thing I would note is that it can be a little hard to tighten and snap the Explora Magic Diamond Strap Bracelet into place, especially if it is a colder day or you do not have a lot of strength in your hands.
I ride in all sorts of terrain, and whether it was rock, sand, or mud, these boots stayed on through everything. My horse is a Missouri Fox Trotter; being a gaited horse, he can sometimes display a more "exaggerated" movement. In the past, there have been a couple of times when crossing a riverbed or going through the mud where I had a boot fly off down the trail afterward due to a lack of grip on the boot. Never once did that happen with the Exploras!
One thing I did notice while riding in sandy areas is that there would be a little dirt debris built up behind the padded heel bulb guard area. If I was ever riding in that type of terrain, I would get off occasionally to make sure there was not any excessive build-up that might cause irritation to my horse.
While I have only been using the Explora Magic Hoof Boots for about a year, I think I should be able to get a couple more good years out of them—provided I take proper care of them after every use and store them accordingly. Overall, I am very happy with these boots, and I'm looking forward to using them on many more adventures down the trail!
Fitting the Explora Magic Hoof Boots
Measure Hooves
To obtain your horse's hoof boot size, make sure they have just been trimmed to ensure the most accurate measurements. Using measuring tape, measure across the widest part of the hoof to obtain the width. For the length, measure from the buttress line to the end of the toe. Compare your horse's hoof measurements to the size chart below to determine what hoof boot size to order. For more in-depth steps and insight on measuring your horse's hooves for hoof boots, especially if your horse is in between sizes, please take a look at the detailed guide in our How To Choose Horse Hoof Boots article.
Assess the Fit
There are many factors to consider when looking at the fit, but you should start by examining how the hoof fills the boot. Be aware of any gapping or if the boot is stretching due to being too small for the hoof. Also, notice how much space is remaining on the expansion windows. If the hoof is sticking out of the expansion window, the boot is too small. If you can't see enough hoof through the expansion window, the boot is too large.
The placement of the Explora Magic Bulb Protector is important, as you want it to lay directly across the heel to provide ample pressure when in motion.
The top bracelet should allow enough room for one or two fingers underneath to keep it secure as your horse is moving, but not tight enough to constrict. The angle of this piece is also important, as it needs to lie flat against the pastern. If it sits at a skewed angle, it could potentially cause rubbing while the hoof is in motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I adjust the Explora Hoof Boots?
A: Explora Hoof Boots have multiple points of adjustment and can be manipulated with an Allen wrench, or a drill with an Allen wrench bit. The Explora Boot video below shows you how to make the boots larger or longer (6:22), how to adjust the height of the boot (9:28), how to adjust the lateral gaiter (11:38), how to correctly adjust the bracelet (13:12), and how to fit the neoprene sock with the boot (13:43).
Q: What makes Explora Hoof Boots special?
A: These boots have a unique design that allows you to adjust the rear part both vertically and horizontally in order to accommodate your horse's unique hoof shape; this also allows the boot to be very versatile as your horse's hooves grow through their trim cycle. Once you have configured the appropriate adjustments, they are easy to slip on and off your horse. You can also change out Explora pieces.
Q: What rider and horse is Explora well suited for?
A: Explora Hoof Boots are a great choice for any rider who is transitioning their horse to barefoot, needs something to provide protection during their horse's off-season, or has used boots for years and is just looking to add another excellent option to their collection. These hoof boots are great for many different types of terrain, such as sand, rock, or water and mud crossings. They are also versatile across equestrian disciplines. They can be used for trail riding, endurance, and even show jumping or cross country.
Q: Will Explora Hoof Boots fit horses with high heels?
A: Yes, Explora Hoof Boots can accommodate horses with high heels. The heel bulb protector of the Magic Boots has three height adjustments, so you can easily adapt it to any type of heel. The boots will come in the "intermediate" position and can be adjusted with an Allen wrench.
Q: How much do Explora Hoof Boots weigh?
A: The Explora Boots are extremely lightweight! Depending on size, can range from 248 to 390 grams (8.75 to 13.76 ounces).
Q: How do you clean Explora Hoof Boots?
A: You can easily hose Explora Hoof Boots off after every use to ensure no debris left behind will potentially irritate your horse. You can also soak them in a bucket of water if they have some extra mud stuck to them. We recommend storing them in a cool area, like your barn or horse trailer, when not in use. Overexposure to the sun will cause damage to your boots over time and shorten their longevity.
Q: How long do Explora Hoof Boots last?
A: Explora Hoof Boots typically last over 600 miles; however, there are several factors to consider. Consider the weight of your horse, the type of terrain you ride in, and how well the boots fit your horse.
You should also consider how your horse moves. Some horses have more exaggerated movements than others, such as a gaited horse versus a non-gaited one. The way that the hoof lands and how it takes off from the ground can affect the longevity of the boot. Just as horses can wear down their toe or one side of their hoof more during their trim cycle, the same can be true for the boot when in use.
Q: Can replacement parts be bought?
A: They absolutely can! Replacement parts make it super convenient to make any changes if a certain part starts breaking down. Should a piece wear out on one or both of your Explora hoof boots for whatever reason, we highly recommend purchasing the appropriate replacement part (rather than sending the whole boot back to us). Doing so is more cost effective for you in the long run, so you can get the most out of your Exploras! With replacement parts, you can even change up the color of a certain piece of the boot in order to add a little pop to your gear.
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Closing Thoughts
If you are searching for a lightweight, innovative, and durable hoof boot that will help provide protection on varying terrain, then the Explora Magic Hoof Boots are an excellent choice. Explora has come up with a uniquely designed boot that is super adjustable, making it a great choice for so many horse owners. Look no further if you want a versatile hoof boot that will go with you on your equine adventures for miles and miles! Should you have any lingering questions, we invite you to speak with our friendly customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. In the meantime, happy trails!