How do I choose the right hoof boot?

As the shape of each horse’s hoof is very individual, hoof boots have to be chosen carefully. One of the most important things to do before buying a hoof boot is to measure the hooves accurately. We explain here how to do this and what to look for when choosing and trying on hoof boots.

Measuring the hooves

Most important are the hoof width and the hoof length. It should be noted that each hoof is measured separately, as hooves are often of different sizes. The best time to take measurements is about 1 week after the farrier has been in for hoof care.

To determine the correct size, measure at the widest part of the hoof to determine the width. For the length, measure the distance between the tip of the toe and the end of the frog. Please do not take the heel bulbs into account when measuring!

The best and most accurate method is to measure directly on the hoof. It is often recommended to trace the hoof with hoof grease or with a pen on paper and to take the measurements from the resulting impression. With these methods, the values are often falsified because the impression is too inaccurate. Therefore, this procedure is not recommended..

As soon as the measurements are available, you can use the size charts that are available for each hoof boot to find the right size. You should take the size that is closest to the measurements you have taken. If the measurements do not correspond exactly to the values in the table, choose the next size up. However, the ratio between width and length should not be more than two hoof shoe sizes, otherwise the horse will not have enough hold in the boot.

Here you can download a practical handout with all the information and space to enter the measurements:

The right fit of hoof boots

Finding suitable hoof boots solely on the basis of measurements is almost impossible. After all, the hoof is a complex body part whose shape is as individual as our fingerprints.

In order to get more than just a two-dimensional impression of your horse’s hooves, the shape of the hoof is also taken into account when assessing the hoof for the purchase of hoof boots. Viewed from below, the hoof can be round, but also oval or even asymmetrical. When looking at the three-dimensional view of a hoof, the hoof walls and heels in particular must be taken into account. These can be steeper or flatter, longer or shorter.

Another criterion is the gait of the horse. If the horse walks narrowly or over-steps, for example, a narrower boot should be chosen.

If you have never had any contact with hoof boots, you should definitely seek intensive advice.