Equestrian disciplines have never been exempted from progress; in fact, they have advanced and evolved quite rapidly over the last couple of centuries. When you look at all the advances made with regard to husbandry and veterinary science, it is pretty safe to say that the world of horse keeping has come a long way. Notwithstanding all these advances, there are some aspects of modern equestrian life that are actually based on ancient practices, and one of them happens to be related to the items we put on horses to protect their hooves. In 2018, an archaeological dig in the United Kingdom unearthed a few iron artifacts that were clearly horseshoes, but there was no evidence of them having been nailed to hooves, and this makes perfect sense because blacksmiths did not take up such practice until the 17th century. These ancient horseshoes date back to the Roman occupation of Britannia, and they featured treading on the bottom as well as intricate leather straps running up from the metal pieces, which means that they were elaborate boots. Hoof boots, also known as horse boots, have emerged as sensible and superior alternative to the traditional metal horseshoes that are nailed to the hooves. Contrary to what some people think, horseshoes are not cruel; first of all, farriers and blacksmiths know what they are doing when mounting horseshoes. Second, the nails used to keep horseshoes affixed to the hooves do not strike soft tissue or nerves because they are not long enough. Third, hooves are harder than human toenails, and we all know that clipping them is not painful. Finally, farriers know that they can only put horseshoes on animals that are healthy and comfortable enough to go through the process. The only exception would be horses that have sustained hoof injury in light of the absence of horseshoes; in this case, however, a veterinarian would recommend when is the best time for mounting horseshoes, which is usually when the horse will be able to withstand them. Cruelty is not the reason many horse keepers prefer to keep their animals in bare hooves, but this is not always the best idea. Just like with horseshoes themselves, there are pros and cons to letting horses go without them. In general, if your horses are blessed with the advantage of always being able to gallop on naturally soft surfaces, there really is no need for horseshoes. The moment hooves start hitting gravel or asphalt, however, this is when horses really appreciate horseshoes, particularly if a rider is weighing them down. Why Should You Choose Hoof Boots? Hoof boots are great alternatives to horseshoes for various reasons, including: Horses are able to spend more time going "barefoot" when they are not on the trails. Unlike horseshoes, hoof boots are 100% non-invasive. Hoof boots are easy to put on, remove, and clean. In many cases, horse boots provide better traction and protection.Hooves grow just as human fingernails do. Horseshoes do not adjust to this biological process; hoof boots, on the other hand, can be adjusted to account for hoof size. Modern horse boots are more than just replacements for horseshoes; depending on the model, they can be used for endurance, performance, and riding long trails. The additional shock absorption, traction, and support provided by hoof boots is worth their investment, which tends to be more reasonable than horseshoes in terms of durability. Quite a few horse boots are designed with sports medicine in mind; we invite you to check out our online catalog and explore not just the hoof pieces but also the various splints and wraps we carry to make galloping safe and healthy. Measuring Hooves for Boots Imagine just how uncomfortable and counterproductive it would be to wear tennis shoes in the wrong size; this is what you must keep in mind when setting out to measure hooves in order to fit them for boots. You will want to be as accurate as possible with your measurements, and you also want to take them right after the hooves have been trimmed. All you need is the kind of tape measure you would use for construction projects, although a rigid plastic or wooden ruler will also work, Starting off with the width, you need to establish the widest point of the hoof and measure it across. Since hooves are rarely symmetrical, you will want to meet the two points that are farther from the center and establish them as the beginning and the end of your measurement. As for the length, you need to observe how the horse naturally stands and distributes its weight. Some horses tend to lean forward a bit in order to better distribute the muscle weight in their shoulders; when this is the case, the length measurement will be shorter. You can also determine this by looking at where the frictions marks end at the bottom of the hooves. In essence, you want to measure from the front section of the hoof all the way back to the middle of the bulbs; if this measurement is made too far back, you may end up with boots that are too loose even after they are adjusted. Needless to say, measuring hooves is easier when the horse is bridled and you have an assistant who can gently tug the reins and signal the animal to be steady. If the horse is known to be a kicker, avoid leaning into the hoof when taking measurements; instead, you should keep your back straight and establish distance with your arms. Sizing Charts for Hoof Boots There are no standard size charts for horse boots; they can not only vary by brand but also according to the style and function. Sports medicine boots and splints may have different size charts than bell boots. There is also the matter of materials to consider because some are bulkier than others. For the most part, hoof boots are offered in diameters that correspond to the width. Small horse boots are between four and five inches. The increments from medium to extra large boots are about three quarters of an inch. The largest boots measure 6.5 inches or more. Some manufacturers put numbers next to their sizes, If you have questions about the size of boots that will best fit the hoof measurements you have taken, please feel free to get in touch with our office; we are always happy to help you choose the products that will improve your riding experience. Types of Hoof Boots For the most part, you want to look for boots that will fit your horse comfortably without weighing them down; in other words, you should look for lightweight synthetic materials that are form fitting on their own or can be adjusted by means of straps. If your horse is accustomed to horseshoes, boots are ideal to carry when out on a trail ride in case shoes accidentally come off. Riders who expect to hit muddy trails or cross creeks should look for boots that have water draining features. Sports medicine hoof boots are designed with orthopedics in mind, and they tend to be the best when transitioning away from horseshoes. Endurance boots are heavier because of the rugged materials they are made with; they also cost more and may require a period of adjustment, but they work wonders for riders who expect to hit asphalt surfaces. Finally, you have boots for horses that are recovering from injuries, and which are not really meant for riding because they tend to retain water and can be flimsy on rugged terrain. For all the benefits that going barefoot can bring to horses, you should fit them with boots when going out on rides. The traction, support, and protection that hoof boots provide will outweigh all the barefoot advantages.
