How to Find the Right Hoof Boots for Your Horse

4. March 2025

Hoof boots are a healthy alternative to horseshoes. They help your horse move as naturally as possible and reduce the risk of inflammation or damage to the hooves. But how do you choose the right hoof boots? In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to find the perfect fit for your horse.

When Are Hoof Boots Necessary?

There are several situations where hoof boots are necessary. One of the most common is when transitioning a horse from horseshoes to barefoot. Horses that have worn shoes in the past need time to adjust, and during this transition, hoof boots can help protect their hooves while riding.

Transitioning to barefoot has a big advantage: the horse can move more naturally. You’ll notice their steps are freer, and the risk of pathogens entering through nail holes (which can happen with shod horses) is eliminated.

In some cases, it may be necessary to forgo horseshoes for horses kept in groups. This is a safety matter, as shod horses could injure each other. When riding out, they will need appropriate hoof boots to protect their hooves. If a horse suffers from arthritis, hoof boots can also be a good choice to reduce pain while riding or performing. The same applies to other diseases affecting the horse’s musculoskeletal system. However, most hoof boots should not be worn 24/7, unless recommended with special therapeutic boots.

Materials of Hoof Boots: Which Are the Best?

Hoof boots are typically made from plastic, neoprene, or synthetic leather. Neoprene is softer than plastic and breathable, but it also absorbs water and can be harder to clean.

Swiss Galoppers hoof boots are made of durable plastic, which makes them resistant to wear and tear. Studies show that the material and sole construction are designed to mimic natural hoof movement, making them ideal for the horse’s joints and musculoskeletal system. And, because they’re a 100% recyclable material, Swiss Galoppers is an environmentally-friendly choice. The soles are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a particularly abrasion-resistant plastic, which allows the boots to last up to 2,000 kilometers of riding.

The closures and fetlock straps are made from robust materials designed for long-term use. We’ve made sure to avoid any unnecessary components, keeping the design simple and practical.

Finding the Right Hoof Boots: Measuring and Determining the Hoof Size

To find the right hoof boots, you first need to know the size of your horse’s hooves. This is crucial to ensure a proper fit and avoid any discomfort or issues.

We’ve put together a short video to show you how to measure the hooves correctly. Before you start measuring, make sure the hooves are clean and scraped. Only then will you get an accurate measurement.

The key measurements to take are:

  • Hoof width: Measured at the widest point of the hoof.
  • Hoof length: Measured from the tip of the hoof to the end of the bulb.
  • Heel height: Measured from the lowest point of the heel to the deepest part of the fetlock joint. This is not done while the hoof is on the ground. Instead, you lift the hoof from the ground and measure it in that position.

Once you have these measurements, you can find the right size in our Swiss Galoppers shop, where we offer sizes ranging from SG3 to SG8. If your horse has a wider hoof, choose a larger size.

Additionally, we offer SG and SG-L variants. The L models are perfect for horses with longer hooves or higher heels. In such cases, it’s essential to choose the SG-L model, regardless of the hoof length.

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Right Hoof Boots

When measuring your horse’s hooves, don’t forget to measure each hoof individually, as sizes may vary slightly from one hoof to another. Also, take the measurements no later than 14 days after the last hoof trimming to ensure accuracy.

If you’re unsure about which size to choose, feel free to reach out to one of our partners for advice. You can also test the boots before purchasing, ensuring you get the right fit for your horse.

How to Find the Right Hoof Boots for Your Horse

In addition to the size of the hoof boots, other factors also play a role. The horse must wear boots that are suitable for the terrain. Besides the boots for regular surfaces, such as asphalt, forest paths, or field paths, we also offer models ideal for snow and ice. These are also suitable for deep, muddy ground as they are equipped with metal spikes.

You can identify these hoof boots by the ‘X’ in the model name. For example, our regular boots are called SG, while the winter models are named SG-X. The SG-LX Model is also designed for winter rides. Furthermore, we offer hoof boots that are ideal for use in challenging lighting conditions. They enhance residual light, making them perfect for riding in twilight or fog. The Lemon Edition boots glow in a bright neon yellow. When illuminated by car headlights, they are apparent.

The SG-L models are also available in the Lemon variant. This way, horses with long hooves and/or high heels are safe even in low daylight.

What’s Included in Our Hoof Boot Sets

You receive all our hoof boots in sets, each containing two boots. Additionally, the set includes other accessories, such as:

  • Fastening straps
  • Fetlock straps
  • Heel protection

The L models for long hooves and high heels also come with extensions. One extension is pre-installed, and another can be easily attached with the included tool if necessary. X models are used during winter and come with six spikes each. If they need to be replaced, it’s easy to do. Other replacement parts, such as new fetlock and fastening straps, are also available in our shop.

Do you have any further questions about finding the proper hoof boots? Feel free to ask them through our contact form. We will respond as quickly as possible.