Problem:

Probable cause:

Solution:

Twisting when in use

Usually occurs when the boot is too wide. Particularly common on hind feet as many horses have a tendency to ‘screw’ their foot on the floor causing the boot to twist.

Start from scratch and check your horse’s hoof measurements are still correct to the size of boot you are using. Certain boots can be tightened even more securely if the measurements indicate the boots used are the correct size as follows. Scoot are ideal or Old Mac G2 / Trail hoof boots you can use inserts to really grip the hoof. Power straps on glove hoof boots with a comfort pad can slightly tighten a boot as well. The Explora / Fury hoof boots can have the heel strap altered.

Rubbing

Rubbing will occur on the heels if the boot is too short in the length. Usually more common in horses with under run heels, or boots that fit above the coronet band.

Go to the next size up boot if the length measurement exceeds the recommended length for that boot size. For boots that fit above the hairline, use gaiters, pastern wraps or if these take up too much room old woollen socks, tub grip or Mueller athletic tape / vet wrap we sell also works very well.

Sore feet even with boots on

Dropped or thin soles, laminitis, other hoof pathology

Use 12mm comfort pads or memory foam pads

Ripped gaiters/broken cables or lost boots

Hoof boot is not the best fit for the hoof or was not fitted correctly/tightly enough. Most common cause is the horse treading on himself during exercise, either overreaching or spooking. The parts of the boots are designed to break to prevent a serious accident, if the boot didn’t break the horse could be brought down!

Check the break over is not too long in front- a length that is over 5mm longer than the horse’s actual measurements is enough to slow the front hoof down long enough for a hind foot to come through and tread the boot off. If the horse is trimmed in such a way as to prolong break over, even when booted to fit the foot the break over can never be short enough so check with your trimmer if loosing boots becomes a problem and the boots are correct. Over reach boots on any boot hoof can sometimes help if all other angles have been covered, but as with shoes, some horses will always be at risk of lost boots as they would be with shoes.