Hoof BootsIt may be necessary to use hoof boots for a while when you first start transitioning your horse to go barefoot. Often a newly de-shod hoof is not able to cope with the varying surfaces you may encounter when riding or turned out and so boots are used to make the horse more comfortable until the hoof has built up condition. Some horses are lucky and don't need them but for most horses it is something that you do need to invest in. They can also be used to make a horse more comfortable when they are suffering from abscesses, laminitis and navicular. Some have accessories which help prevent rubbing. Also there are pads available that can be used on extra sensitive horses or to help stimulate weakened areas of the hoof, such as the frog. By cutting the pad into the shape of the frog and either taping over the frog or attaching it to the boot, extra stimulus is provided to help develop the frog and digital cushion. There are basically three types of hoof boot: ones used for soaking the hoof; ones for turnout and limited use; and ones designed for riding in. There are more and more hoof boots coming onto the market and the manufacturers are improving them with each new addition. Click on the links below to get a detailed description about each type of boot.
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