Hoof Boots & Therapy Boots

What should I look for in hoof boots?

Hoof boots are an excellent alternative to conventional shoeing. Hoof boots are no longer used solely as a substitute in the event of the loss of a shoe or as a therapeutic boot to protect the hoof in the event of a hoof disease. They are part of the standard equipment for many horse owners, along with boots, fetlock boots and bell boots.
When choosing a hoof boot, you should consider the needs of the horse. The horse should be able to move well in them and not be significantly disturbed in its movement. The fit is an important criterion, as is the model of the boot. The shape of the hoof boot must therefore fit the shape of the hoof. To avoid friction, the shape of the padding must also fit the heel bulb.
The length and thickness of the feathering also plays an essential role in the selection of the hoof boot, as it should not be pinched, but also should not prevent the closing and hold of the hoof boot. Here, open hoof boot styles might be more suitable than those that close high up in the fetlock area.
Also pay attention to how you handle the boot design. You should not be overwhelmed by the handling and the different fastening options and you should not have any problems putting them on and taking them off.
In our range you will find different designs for individual requirements. From all-terrain hoof boots with a good grip, to closed styles that are also suitable for long-term use, to therapy boots that are suitable for the treatment of hoof diseases. Our range is rounded off by spare parts, screws, studs and insoles for hoof boots.

Which hoof boots are the right ones for my horse?

The selection of hoof boots is enormous these days. This is a good thing, because horses have different hoof shapes and therefore individual needs when it comes to "footwear". Before you choose hoof boots from our range, you should consider how much you exercise your horse. For regular training over an hour and occasional rides over not too long distances, closed models are good. These boot models have the advantage that they protect the entire hoof. For long distances and intensive daily use, you should go for open hoof boots with a boot shell. These create less friction because, unlike closed hoof boots, they hold on to the hard horn wall below the coronet and not in the fetlock area. They can be worn for several hours without any problems.
When riding through varied terrain with different surfaces and in different weather conditions, hoof boots with a robust treaded sole are important. This gives your horse a secure grip even in snow or mud. Any dirt on the hoof boot can be easily rinsed off with cold water afterwards.
The different hoof boot designs fit different hoof shapes. Some horses have more round hooves, others more oval. The height of the heels is also often different. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to measure the hooves. You can read about how to measure your horse's hooves and choose the right boot size in our hoof boot guide. There you can also download a free infographic to fill in.

Which hoof boots are recommended for horses with laminitis?

Horses with laminitis suffer from extreme pain in the hoof sole area. Every little stone can be pure torture for the horse. Therefore, you should choose hoof boots for permanent use. Choose a hoof boot with a double closure system, preferably with a double Velcro closure. This way the boot stays on the hoof all day and there is no danger of self-opening threads.
Secondly, they should have thick, adaptable padding in the sole area so that the horse can escape the permanent pressure. Soft, thick pads to insert into the boot are recommended for this purpose. These cushion the pressure and are flexible in order to make the horse as comfortable as possible. In our shop we have, for example, thick comfort pads with a thickness of up to 12 mm.
Even if the laminitis is only acute on one side, it is always recommended to put on hoof boots on both hoof sides. This is because the uneven level would otherwise have a negative effect on the horse's entire musculoskeletal system.
An important tip at the end: Take off the hoof boots for 2 hours every day so that the sole gets air to breathe and the hoof can dry. Otherwise, thrush would develop in addition to the laminitis.

What helps when the horse is footy on stones?

To ensure that the horse does not have any problems on stony paths while hacking or on long distances on asphalt in front of the carriage, any kind of hoof boots are recommended. Some horses are particularly sensitive and need hoof boots even on soft ground such as in the riding arena. But especially on stony and hard ground, hoof boots with a grippy sole are the first choice. If the horse is particularly sensitive, a soft insole can also be used to cushion the pressure from below. You can find all-terrain hoof boots with a grippy sole as well as comfort pads to insert in our online shop.