Are Hoof Boots Any Good? How Good? (Pro & Cons)

When riding on our horses, we would always want to ensure that they are being treated with utmost care and that they are comfortable at all times while performing different gaits.

A horse’s hooves are always being exposed to platforms of different textures, these surfaces would range from terrain to concrete, and these surfaces aren’t always smooth so there’s a possibility that the hooves on our horses would get damaged or injured.

To prevent these situations from happening, hoof boots were invented. So what are hoof boots? Are these necessary for a horse? Do they provide comfort and protection to them?

Are Hoof Boots Any Good?

Yes, hoof boots are great equipment for horse use as they can provide comfort and protection to their hooves at the same time.

Hoof boots are completely a necessity and it’s highly recommended that every horse owner would have some in their arsenal. This would help with a lot of things such as preventing injuries from happening, therapy usage, and traction provider.

The durability of hoof boots would be approximately four months, however, this would largely depend on how it’s being used and maintained. For instance, the hoof boots are rarely being used for rigorous and demanding activities, then they may possibly last for a year or more.

How Good Are Hoof Boots?

Hoof boots are so good due to its durability and the multiple benefits it offers to a horse.

There’s no mistaking it that hoof boots are a definite must-have for any horse owner. They’re arguably better alternatives to metal shoes as well and here’s why:

  • Hoof shoes protect the entire hoof, the metal shoes on the other hand only provide a bit of protection beneath the hoof.
  • Hoof boots enable more tread space than metal shoes.
  • Hoof boots are low in pressure compared to metal shoes.
  • Hoof boots have been proven to provide better traction than metal shoes.

Hoof Boots

Pros

  • Hoof boots are non-invasive, meaning they don’t destroy the tissues in a horse’s hoof.
  • These would save you money in the long haul.
  • It’s fairly easy and efficient to put on a hoof and vice versa.
  • Hoof boots can be used when transporting a horse as this serves as protection for their hooves.
  • Hoof boots have great shock absorption.
  • The likelihood of horses getting an infection in their hooves is low since there are no nail holes in their hooves (which come from metal horseshoes.
  • Hoof boots are non-restrictive so they allow room for growth for the hooves.
  • Horses can naturally move their hooves without feeling any heavy pressure or discomfort due to their light weight.

Cons

  • Some people claim that hoof boots don’t do so well in water.
  • Some people claim that there are other hoof boots out there that are poor in quality so they break easily and don’t provide good traction as well.
  • Hoof boots can reach above the hairline and rub on that portion of their skin.
  • Some hoof boots appear to be bulky on a horse’s hoof.
  • There are some hoof boots that are loose around the ankles.

Can You Jump In Renegade Hoof Boots?

Yes, you can have your horse jump in renegade hoof boots since these are a kind of boot that is difficult to put on and remove, so it’s secure.

The only thing that renegade hoof boots can’t do is stay on the hooves when dipped in mud.

Hoof Boots For Hind Feet

The best type of hoof boots for the hind feet would have to be the Cavallo Sport Hoof Boot. These boots are ideal for activities such as light riding. These boots also provide comfort and relief for chronic pains and hoof sensitivity.

Best Hoof Boots

There are tons of hoof boots brands out there and we’re well aware that there are brands that just don’t provide what we’re looking for. So in order to prevent that from happening, we did the research for you! Please refer to the list of hoof boots below and determine what it is that you’re looking for.

For Trail Riding

The Cavallo Trek Regular Sole Hoof Boot would be the best boot for trail riding. This provides excellent traction on terrains and at the same time, the horse is able to do natural movements. Also, sand, mud, and debris won’t end up inside the boots easily since it’s completely sealed off.

For Turnout

All the Cavallo boots can be used for turnouts since almost every boot in from this brand performs really well on terrain.

For Jumping

The Veredus Carbon Gel Vento would be the best boot option for jumping since this protects the cannon bone and it provides ventilation as well.

For Laminitis

The best type of hoof boots would be the Easyboot RX from EasyCare. If you’re looking for hoof boots that excel in therapy and healing, then this would be the boot you’re looking for.

For Endurance Training

The EasyCare Glove Hoof Boot is a great choice for endurance training and long trail rides thanks to its durable materials. The sole is also very durable and it can perform well in rough terrains.

What Are Hoof Boots?

Hoof boots are used for protecting a horse’s feet while they are being ridden.

The surface on which horses do various gaits is not always smooth (e.g. rough terrain or concrete), so there’s a possibility that your horse may feel uncomfortable as it trots and gallops.

Luckily, hoof boots not only protect a horse’s feet but also provide comfort. A few people are concerned about whether or not hoof boots provide comfort to horses since it looks kind of uncomfortable for us when we see them for ourselves.

There’s no need to worry about this because horses don’t seem to show discomfort even though they’re wearing hoof boots.

Moreover, hoof boots don’t affect the absorption of shock when a horse comes in contact with the ground and it also doesn’t affect the blood circulation of their hooves. Hoof boots are also often compared to metal shoes, which are also being used on horses by several horse owners.

We’ll tackle the comparison of hoof boots and metal shoes in a little while, for now, let’s find out other information about hoof boots.

There are numerous ways wherein owners can put on hoof boots on their horse’s hooves, one of the most common methods is by fastening the hoof boots. Cavallo hoof boots are types of boots that can be fastened and the material used for fastening would usually be velcro.

Furthermore, hoof boots make perfect extras for moments where your horse’s horseshoe comes off. So it would be ideal to keep hoof boots in hand in case this kind of scenario happens.

Other benefits of having hoof boots include protection while transporting a horse, breeding a horse, and treating injuries.

Hoof boots can be used when a horse is being transported since they protect a hoof with metal shoes on it. Horseshoes are usually made out of metal, so hoof boots can lessen injuries and reduce the likelihood of fatigue due to the cushioning action that goes on, all thanks to these boots.

In terms of breeding, there’s a tendency where mares will kick other horses, especially stallions, during breeding. If we want to avoid other horses from getting hurt, hoof boots can be fastened on a horse’s hooves to avoid injuries when they kick.

When it comes to injuries, hoof boots can be used to treat injuries and make the healing process a lot easier. Since these have shock absorption, that will aid in a fast healing process as well. In addition, hoof boots can be used for dressed-up wounds and saline solutions.

So right off the bat, hoof boots offer a wide variety of uses so purchasing one for your horse is a no-brainer.

What Are Hoof Boots Used For?

Hoof boots are used for protecting a horse’s hooves. It has other multiple functions such as aiding in the healing process of wounds and acting as a shock absorber.

Apart from a hood boot’s functions stated above, these can also be used for horses that can no longer be shod. For those who may not know, shoeing is when horseshoes are being attached on a horse’s hoof and what this does is it adds durability and traction.

Also, shoeing is highly recommended for horses who are always on the go and are frequently being ridden on to travel in rough terrains, concrete, and icy roads. Shoeing can also help with sole bruises by adding some pads onto the hoof.

There’s also this thing called corrective shoeing wherein the purpose of this is to correct hoof ailments in horses so that they can continue living their lives as happy, comfortable, and healthy.

Going back, other uses for hoof boots would include being an alternative to shoeing as well. Some people believe that shoeing is an old-school method so they want to deviate from that and use something different, but at the same time, offers the same functionality that shoeing would give.

Hoof boots can also be used in emergency-type situations where a horseshoe gets detached from a hoof. Hoof boots can easily be attached and detached again, so these make great alternatives during these kinds of emergencies.

Lastly, hoof boots make great combinations with cushioning pads and gels since these can ease the pain from concussions on a horse’s hoof. So long story short, hoof boots can be used for healing purposes as well.

Resources:

https://www.cavallo-inc.com/what-are-horse-hoof-boots/

https://www.onlineequine.co.uk/article/5-why-hoof-boots

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