Guide To Selecting Hoof Boots

Urban Horse's guide to selecting which hoof boots are best for your horse.

For any hoof boot to work successfully you are aiming for as close a fit as possible for both the width and length of the hooves.

If each hoof is very different try to choose boots that accommodate both hooves adequately, and not one that fits one hoof perfectly to the detriment of the other.

Ideally the length and width measurement will fit into the same size. If the length and width measurements indicate different sizes of a particular model, potentially select the larger size or look for an alternative.

If the width and length measurements are different by more than one size, then that particular boot style is not recommended.

Look at as many recommended hoof boots as possible and choose the hoof boots that most closely fit the hooves.

It is important to always work on the largest size given - do not try to squeeze a hoof into a boot that has a shorter length or narrower width, the size must accommodate (or exceed) both measurements.

Remember the size charts on all hoof boots are a guide and can vary in practice.

We will always recommend using the fit kits if possible so that you are confident about the fit before buying your hoof boots.

Once you know the width and length of your horse’s hooves, use the information below to determine which shape most closely describes them. 

1. The round hoof or nearly round hoof (hoof length less than 5mm shorter or longer than width measurement) is one of the most common front hoof shapes found in horses kept in the UK. Front feet are designed to bear approx. 60% of the horse’s weight, which produces a slightly larger, rounder surface than the hind feet which tend to be a more oval shape. 

This hoof shape is normally best suited to: Scoot, Flex, Equine Fusion, Explora, Swiss Galopper, Cavallo, Old Mac G2, Easyboot Glove WIDE, Easyboot Sneaker (ALL regular size / normal size models). 

It is important to try and get a close width fitting, and the shortest breakover possible. Equine Fusions are also very good for horses that have a round hoof with well-developed or under run heels. 

2. The wider than long hoof (hoof more than 5mm wider than it is long) is a common front foot shape amongst breeds such as the Draught, other Native UK breeds or thoroughbreds. A lot of hoof boots do not fit this shape well.

If the horse has measurements giving the width at more than 5mm greater than the length, the only potentially suitable hoof boots are: Scoot Boots, Cavallo, Explora, Easyboot Sneaker or Glove WIDE (ALL regular size / normal size models). 

Other model hoof boot's will have excessive toe length, which slows the horses breakover and potentially causes a higher incidence of boot loss tor twisting.

3. The longer than wide hoof (hoof approx 6mm - 15mm longer than width measurement) tends to be the most common hoof shape when horses are just transitioning out of shoes or for hind hooves. 

Within 5-10mm longer than wide - most hoof boots will work with this shape: Scoot, Flex, Cavallo, Easyboot Sneaker, Easyboot Fury, Explora, Swiss Galopper, Equine Fusion and Easyboot Gloves (ALL slim size / narrow size models). 

Remember it is important to get a snug fitting width. This can be especially important with hind feet as a lot of horses have a tendency to screw their hind feet slightly which can cause the boots to twist if the boot is not gripping the hoof sufficiently. 

4. The excessively longer than wide hoof (hoof 16mm + longer than width measurement) Some more extreme hind feet and occasionally the front feet of a navicular, laminitic or neglected hoof can be much longer than wide so a compromise is often needed. Pads and or gaiters are usually needed to take up the excess width and to help hug the boot in place. 

This hoof shape is normally best suited to: Equine Fusion slim size models, Easyboot Cloud or Easyboot RX.

Quick Summary:

• ALWAYS choose a hoof boot that will fit the shape and size of your horses’ hooves and not just the ones you like the look of.
  
• If you need to compromise with size make sure the width and length are never more then two sizes different. Thicker pads maybe required to take up any width or length slack. 
  
• Don’t choose a hoof boot that is too short and hope it will be ok, it is almost certain to give your horse sore heels.
  
• Every hoof boot has its merits but no hoof boot will perform well if it is the wrong size or shape for your horse.
• If you are having problems with hoof boots twisting etc. Always start from scratch and re-check your horses hoof sizes to make sure you’re using the right model of hoof boot to suit your horse. 

Urban Horse are always here to help you find the perfect hoof boot for your horse. Please do get in touch and we'll be happy to help:

email sales@urbanhorse.com or phone - 01434 422700

Are you a registered farrier or trimmer? Would you like to be a part of our Urban Horse hoof boot referral / discount scheme? If so please get in touch sales@urbanhorse.com to find out more.