One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard about hoof boots in the past is “they don’t stay on.” Unless your horse has the most perfect shaped hooves, how do you prevent the boots from shifting, twisting, breaking, or worse – causing rubs and sores? It’s true, for horses with the oddly-shaped-hoof, boots can be difficult to manage. But there ARE tricks to find the right fit, and get them to stay on without issue!
Sara Hunt, a PHCP member and full-time hoofcare provider and hoof boot specialist, talks with me about tips and tricks for getting the best boot fit and retention on those “wonky” hooves. We discuss how to adjust a variety of boots for better retention, how to know your hoof boots fit well, how to prevent rubs, and more!
You can hear the conversation on your favorite podcast app under “The Humble Hoof,” or directly above.
What boots do you use for your “hard to fit” horses?
I have a small foundation quarter mare who has very little hooves. She was wearing a 0000 ft.shoes.
I show western dressage so I just need hoof boots for rocky trail rides. Footing in dressage rings isn’t a problem.
She is wide in the chest but base narrow. Ft.left leg is crooked. She has a big twist coming out of the ankle. She is trimmed every 6 wks cause of how crooked she is the ft.left hoof.
Help!!!! halleclause
With horses with angular limb deformities, I keep them on 3-4 week cycles – a 6 week cycle would allow too much distortion and never get ahead of any imbalance. Your best bet would be to reach out to Sara Hunt for fitting advice!