How to Choose Horse Hoof Boots

Horse hoof boots are a wonderful tool to use for many reasons, as they're strategically designed to fulfill different equine needs. They can act as a barrier to prevent bruising and chipping, provide shock absorption and support, treat an injury, help transition a horse from shod to barefoot, or replace a lost horseshoe. Hoof boots on the market today have greatly advanced in design, with materials and technologies differing by the intended use of the hoof boots.

Whether you are considering trying hoof boots for the first time, are a diehard hoof boot user, or need therapeutic hoof boots to treat a pathological issue in your horse, we will cover the ins and outs with this educational guide. We will address the different types of hoof boots, as well as how to measure for and fit hoof boots in general. We understand that navigating these products can be a bit confusing for some, so we'll also be covering some questions and circumstances frequently asked about in regard to hoof boots. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty!

There are many opinions on hoof boots, and it's not easy to dig through the clashing views on whether you should be using them on your horse or not. If you are ever in doubt, we always encourage consulting your farrier. If possible, also speak with an equine professional you trust that has extensive knowledge of horse hoof anatomy and an understanding of how hoof boots interact with hooves; this will provide you helpful insight and direction. If you do not have access to such an individual, we would like to offer consolation that you have the intuition to gauge your specific horse's needs. Each rider and horse partnership is unique, and hoof boots are not a one-size-fits-all concept.

If you or your farrier have determined your equine needs hoof boots, which ones do you even choose in the first place? In addition to this guide, we highly encourage you to read our Best Horse Hoof Boots article for insight on our customer and staff favorites. Below, we will cover the different types of hoof boots and how they are intended to be used. Please be aware that some hoof boots are designed for a very specific, singular use, whereas others are multi-purpose. Always consider the manufacturer's directions of use for their guidance.

Pleasure/Trail Riding Hoof Boots

Pleasure hoof boots are designed for more casual use, with a fastening system that allows for easy application and removal. These hoof boots are typically used by casual trail riders going over a variety of terrains, as a replacement for a lost shoe until the horse is shod again, or as additional security for the tender-footed horse that tends to get sore on hard surfaces (such as concrete or rocks). Pleasure hoof boots are more commonly offered in an enclosed design for simplicity and ease of use. Some designs can also be used as hoof protection during turnout!

Performance Riding Hoof Boots

These hoof boots are specifically designed with a low profile and offer a snug, secure fit for performance riding. Commonly seen in the sport of endurance riding (consisting of long-distance and speed events), these hoof boots are crafted to last on rough terrain and hold up to aggressive use. You will see more features like multiple fastening attachments, adjustable points, and drainage holes to help with hoof boot fit and performance. These hoof boots reduce interference to better protect your horse from potential issues caused by increased riding time. The vast majority of performance riding hoof boots are not designed for turnout or medical treatment and therefore should not be used in such circumstances unless otherwise recommended by your vet or farrier for a specific reason.

Therapeutic & Medical Hoof Boots

This hoof boot type provides therapeutic benefits to your horse's hooves by keeping them comfortable during rehab, medical treatment, or trailering. These hoof boots are not meant to be ridden in unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. This type of hoof boot is designed to help with pathology issues in one or more hooves, such as navicular, laminitis, founder, or a hoof abscess. These hoof boots are geared toward use during stall rest and light turnout to mainly treat lame horses. Therapeutic boots can help lessen shipping stress on your horse's legs during long hours in the trailer. Many medical hoof boots allow you to use hoof packing, soaks, and other treatments in conjunction with the boot for a speedier recovery. We invite you to check out our article on how to treat and prevent horse hoof problems for more insight.

Once you've determined what type of hoof boot you're looking for, there are several more factors you should also consider to better determine which boots would be most ideal for your horse and circumstance:

Riding Discipline

While horse hoof boots are traditionally seen in the trail and endurance riding disciplines, they are also being used in almost every other discipline—including the show ring! Nowadays, hoof boot manufacturers have designed different options to accommodate specific riding disciplines. Show jumping and cross country disciplines typically allow hoof boots during competition; however, always double-check the rules of the event you're attending. You will commonly see plain black hoof boots on a show jumper or cross-country horse for a sleek look, which prevents drawing any attention away from the horse. It is not recommended to use hoof boots during barrel racing or reining, as most hoof boots are not designed to handle the amount of torque or slide in these events.

Hoof Boot Tread & Riding Terrain

Consider what terrain you will be riding your horse in, as there are different tread patterns. Hard, rocky environments need hoof boots with aggressive tread to provide enough traction for stability. Hoof boots with a smoother tread work well in sandy terrains that are more flat. If you regularly ride in wet and muddy environments, choose hoof boots with deep, aggressive tread and drainage holes; this decreases boot weight by allowing water to flow out, which lessens the chances of your hoof boots being suctioned off. Hoof boots that offer the installation of a stud kit are recommended for winter riding over ice and snow to help with the possibility of your horse slipping.

If you ride for long periods, you may want to choose a boot with a lightweight sole. Not all hoof boots provide the same loading area, and not all horses have the same breakover point (some use their toe, others the center of their hoof). A hoof boot that's flexible enough for your horse to comfortably rotate their hooves on landing and takeoff is ideal. It is possible that one boot may prove more comfortable for your horse's stride than another, and your farrier may be able to guide you with this aspect of your decision.

Fastening Attachment & Ease of Use

How hoof boots are secured to your horse's hooves can affect your decision on what would be best for your needs. Velcro (also known as a hook-and-loop closure) offers easy hoof boot attachment, courtesy of its simple design. Hoof boots with strap or cable fastenings are arguably more secure with their increased range of adjustability but can be harder on the hands. If you have weak hands, struggle with dexterity due to a health issue, or are working with an impatient horse, we suggest sticking with a simple fastening system for an easier time taking the hoof boots on and off of your equine. Consider your personal preferences to determine what designs you are and are not willing to use!

Hoof Boot Pads

Hoof boot pads offer cushioning, additional impact protection, and support for tender feet; they can also be used to improve the fit of your hoof boots if they're slightly too big, or during different points in your horse's trim cycle. Commonly made from gel or foam, hoof boot pads provide flexibility for natural horse movement as well as shock-absorbing properties to improve horse comfort by increasing circulation across the frog and sole (otherwise known as the load-bearing surface area). Many therapeutic and medical hoof boots are sold with pads already inside for treating hoof ailments. Pads tend to work better in completely enclosed hoof boot styles, as pads in more open styles have a higher potential to cause your hoof boots to become ill-fitting. Open-style hoof boots are meant to fit very close to the hoof sole and wall, and pads elevate your horse's hooves higher in the shell for an even tighter fit; consider the thickness of the pads in relation to how your hoof boots fit your horse.

If your horse has flat, bruised, or thin soles, they could benefit from the improved comfort of thicker hoof boot pads to better support their weak hoof laminae. A horse with healthy, concave hooves does not necessarily need as thick of hoof boot pads as you might think. In horses that do not have optimal hoof health, hoof boots in combination with pads are a great solution to stimulate healthy hoof growth and movement; we highly suggest consulting a skilled farrier or professional veterinarian for any therapeutic or medical purposes.

First things first: What hoof shape are you trying to purchase hoof boots for? Round hooves? Elongated hooves? Elevated or low heels? Your horse's general hoof structure must be kept in mind, as hoof boots are manufactured appropriately to accommodate the varying hoof shapes. Some hoof boot brands and styles will fit your horse's specific hooves better than others; your equine may simply not fit in a particular pair of hoof boots, no matter how much you might personally prefer them. When it comes to determining what hoof boot size your horse needs, please be aware that each manufacturer has their own guidelines on how to measure for their hoof boots. For example, EasyCare sizes some of the hoof boot styles differently within their brand, so just because your horse fits in a certain EasyCare size doesn't mean they will wear that same size in another EasyCare style.

Here's a step-by-step process you can follow to generally measure your horse's hooves to determine hoof boot size:

1. After a fresh trim, measure both the hoof width and length at the widest points in millimeters and inches. You can either do this yourself with a ruler or soft measuring tape, or have a friend help by taking pictures of the width and length measurements head on. If your horse is wiggly, you can also have your horse stand on a piece of paper or cardboard then trace their hoof outline to later measure (with this method, you can also label and cut out their hoof outline to hold up to or slip inside the hoof boots in question prior to putting them on).
2. Please note that the majority of hoof boot manufacturers do not include the heel bulbs and end the hoof length measurements in their sizing charts at the buttress line. If your measuring tape only has one unit of measure, you can always convert it to cross-reference between millimeters and inches.
3. If your horse is not freshly trimmed, still take both the width and length measurements in millimeters and inches for reference. It is helpful to have your horse's measurements after a fresh trim, in the middle of the trim cycle, and at the very end of the trim cycle. This will also tell you whether your horse grows more toe or width; your horse may be two different hoof boot sizes over the course of their trim cycle depending on how long it is, whether you rasp between trims for maintenance, and how much new hoof growth they generate.
4. Compare the measurements you've taken to the manufacturer's sizing chart and fitting recommendations. If your horse's measurements fall in between two sizes, choose the larger of the two that appropriately compensates for more toe or width. Your hoof boots need to be able to allow for hoof expansion and flexibility to promote your horse's natural movement and breakover. If your horse's measurements differ by more than one size between the width or length, consider an alternative hoof boot brand or style.
5. Once the hoof boots are in hand, we encourage picking your horse's hooves and then wrapping them in plastic wrap to help keep the hoof boots cleaner (in the event that they do not fit). If possible, put the hoof boots on your horse over a flat, stable surface like concrete or a rubber mat. This will give you better visibility of how your horse's hooves sit in the hoof boots, while also getting them less dirty.
6. Lift your horse's leg and point their toe into the hoof boot, then press upward. The hoof boots should be slightly difficult to put on, requiring effort on your part to secure them over the hoof wall. Alternatively, the hoof boots should be snug enough that they fully slip over the hooves by using your horse's weight when putting their leg down.
7. Your horse's hoof boots should be close-fitting while still allowing enough wiggle room to accommodate for hoof regrowth. A hoof boot will not be able to offer its optimal performance if it's the wrong size or ill-suited for your horse. Should you be in doubt on whether the hoof boots properly fit or not, consult your farrier for their professional opinion.

It is suggested to keep your horse on a shorter trim cycle or rasp between trims when using hoof boots, since this will help with proper boot fit as the hooves grow out. If your horse grows new hoof at a particularly fast rate, they will most likely not fit in the same boot size at the end of their trim cycle. We do recommend purchasing two hoof boot sizes for comparison and backup, in case your equine does end up needing a different size at one point or another. You can sometimes strategically use hoof boot pads to tighten up your boots after a fresh trim, then take them out as your horse grows new hoof. If you're treating an ailment and using medical supplies that will add more substance to your horse's hooves, consider going up a hoof boot size for a comfortable fit.

Mueller Tape

Your horse's hoof boots might be so close to perfectly fitting, but they need just a bit more grip to maintain optimal breakover. When your horse's hoof wall is not enough to prevent the hoof boots from sliding around in a slightly-too-big size, you can use an athletic tape like the EasyCare Mueller Black Hoof Boot Tape. Whether applied to just the sides of the hoof wall, only the toe or heel, or the entire hoof perimeter, Mueller tape provides a no-slip fit for improved performance.

Medicated Powder

It is important to keep hooves as clean and dry as possible when your horse is wearing hoof boots, especially in wet environments or during periods of extended wear. This is made easier by using a medicated, anti-fungal powder like the Coat Defense Daily Preventative Fungal Bacterial Powder, which has moisture-absorbing and deodorizing properties to minimize rubs and bacteria growth. Sprinkle into your hoof boots during each use and after every cleaning to reduce the "hoof boot stink" and better prevent the possibility of thrush.

Hoof Boot Maintenance

Regularly clean and check your hoof boots for your horse's comfort and safety. Maintaining your hoof boots prolongs their lifespan and helps with rubbing and bacteria build-up. If your hoof boots become particularly dirty or do not have time to air out between uses, your horse may experience rubbing problems or fungal issues like thrush. We recommend investing in a second set of hoof boots for rotation if you are a frequent user; this allows you enough time to properly clean one set of boots while your horse is wearing the other. If your hoof boots have pads, remove them prior to any cleaning. Hoof boot pads can simply be hosed off whenever they appear particularly dirty, just allow them to dry before using again. Follow the simple hoof boot cleaning tips below for general maintenance.

• Mildy Dirty: After each use, allow your hoof boots to dry out, then use a brush to remove any dirt and debris. A small wire brush, like the Hook-And-Loop Velcro Cleaning Brush by Cashel, is ideal for cleaning out grasses, fibers, and dirt to help lengthen your Velcro's "stickiness."
• Dirty: Hoof boots that have become particularly dirty or sweaty will benefit from a soak in a bucket of water and mild soap, just long enough to penetrate the materials and loosen up debris. Use a brush on both the inside and outside of the hoof boots, then rinse with fresh water to remove the soap. Allow to fully air dry in an area with good ventilation, away from direct sunlight.
• Heavily Soiled: Hoof boots that become soaking wet, caked in mud, or (dare we say it) have never been cleaned before should be soaked in a warm water and mild detergent solution for a longer period of time to loosen up all debris. Thoroughly brush around the inside and outside, then rinse your hoof boots clean. You can also rinse with a vinegar and water solution for deodorizing and natural cleaning. Allow to fully air dry in an area with good ventilation, away from direct sunlight.

Use your discretion to determine how often you should be cleaning your hoof boots, as the frequency at which you clean them is largely dependent on how you're using them. You can routinely spray parts like screws and cables with a little bit of WD-40 to clean the metal and help prevent rust. Regularly double-check and tighten any screws prior to each use, as they will naturally loosen over time. If your hoof boots are made of leather, clean them appropriately with leather care products. Always store your hoof boots in cool, dry environments with good air circulation!

Q: Does my horse need hoof boots?

A: Typically used on the barefoot horse, hoof boots fit over hooves to help protect them from chipping and stone bruises. Hoof boots also provide traction while protecting against abrasions. They are a tool frequently used on horses transitioning from wearing conventional shoes to going barefoot, as well as on horses that cannot tolerate nailed horseshoes. Therapeutic and medical hoof boots are a great aid for transport support, addressing hoof injuries, and helping horses suffering from issues like laminitis. You can use dressings, poultices, and other hoof care supplies with therapeutic hoof boots to keep injuries clean. Consult your farrier or veterinarian to determine if your horse is truly in need of hoof boots.

Q: Can I put hoof boots on my horse for 24/7 wear and leave them on all the time?

A: Unless you are otherwise directed by a veterinarian to keep your horse in hoof boots for extended periods of time, the same hoof boots should not be left on 24/7 constantly. Issues are highly likely to arise because of a buildup of excessive moisture, such as rubbing at the heel bulbs or fungal issues (such as white line disease and thrush). Please also be aware that not every single hoof boot is ideal for near-constant wear; consult the manufacturer's directions of use on whether the hoof boots are recommended for stall or turnout use.

It is a much healthier practice to leave hoof boots on 23/7 at most, with the boots being off 30 to 60 minutes a day at a minimum to double-check your horse's hooves and allow them a chance to breathe; this will also give your hoof boots some time to air out to slow bacteria growth. At this time, it is ideal to evaluate your hoof boots for any issues, clean them, prepare any hoof treatments, and sprinkle in medicated powder to absorb moisture (which helps prevent bacteria). If you are intending to leave hoof boots on your horse for long stretches, we highly recommend having a second boot or set of boots to rotate for easier cleaning and healthier hooves. If you are treating a hoof ailment (like an abscess) and putting on a hoof boot over bandaging, please read our article on How to Soak & Bandage a Horse Hoof to better prepare for your horse's recovery.

Q: Can I turn a horse out in hoof boots?

A: Yes, but choose hoof boots well-suited to your horse that are designed for turnout use. When your horse is turned out at liberty, they are more likely to damage or pull off a hoof boot by playing, chewing, rolling, etc. Regularly take your turnout hoof boots off for evaluation and maintenance, and allow both the boots and your horse's hooves to air out. The following hoof boots we offer are recommended for turnout:

Q: Can I put hoof boots on my shod horse?

A: Technically yes, but hoof boots are not necessarily designed to be used on top of horseshoes. If you are considering getting hoof boots for your shod horse, consult your farrier or veterinarian first. Adding hoof boots over your horse's metal shoes provides a supportive cushioning layer that can protect hooves from chipping, stone bruising, sensitivity, tenderness, and pain, while helping prevent a lost shoe. If your shod horse is undergoing recovery, hoof boots can be worn over shoes to promote hoof comfort and protection during rehabilitation. If you're heading to a show event, you can use hoof boots in the trailer to help mitigate fatigue, or use them during stall and turnout time prior to competition to lessen the chances of your horse's shoes coming off. Some jumping competitions allow hoof boots to be used, and riders might put hoof boots on their shod horse to help absorb the impact and pressure exerted from jumping. Hoof boots are an ideal backup if your horse loses a shoe at the barn or out on the trail; they help lessen any sensitivity or lameness your shod horse might be susceptible to with pulling a shoe. Some trail riders choose to put hoof boots over their horse's shoes to provide extra traction on treacherous riding terrain their shod horse might otherwise be prone to slip on. We find Cavallo Hoot Boots to be the most ideal for use over metal shoes, if you're going to use them.

Q: My hoof boots are twisting and/or rubbing my horse. Why?

A: Should you run into an issue with your hoof boots rubbing or twisting, first double-check sizing and fit to consider whether the boots are truly ideal for your specific horse's hoof shape. Evaluate when the problem started to occur; for example, did the hoof boots only start twisting halfway through your horse's trim cycle? Sometimes a horse's hoof growth can cause a properly fitting boot to become ill-fitting over time. In the event that rubbing or twisting starts to happen, consider another hoof boot size, style, or brand. A properly sized and fitted hoof boot should not rub or twist on your horse.

Q: How often should I replace my hoof boot pads?

A: How often you replace your hoof boot pads is dependent upon several factors, such as the weight of your horse, how frequently the hoof boots are used, whether your horse is shod, and more. You can help prolong the lifespan of the hoof boot pads by regularly cleaning your hoof boots and pads after each use. We suggest keeping a spare set on hand, in case a pad tears or needs replacing. You can also pull out your flattened hoof boot pads, insert new ones, then keep your old pads as a backup! Use your own judgment to determine when your hoof boot pads need replacing.

Hoof boots are a popular accessory many riders keep in their arsenal to maintain their horse's hoof health and overall well-being. Whether treating an ailment or hitting the trails, hoof boots help protect your horse's hooves in a variety of ways; they are even a great "spare" if your horse pulls a shoe! We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you better understand hoof boots, so you can choose the best option for your equine. Please reach out to us with any additional questions you may have at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1-800-620-9145. Happy booting!