Boots In The Short Term

One of the most important aspects of successful rehabilitation is to ensure your horse or pony keeps moving. Healing and recovery is largely determined by blood flow within the hoof capsule and blood flow is increased with movement. However, this can be difficult to achieve when the horse is in pain. Therefore the use of hoof boots is essential.

Hoof boots will make your horse more comfortable and will ensure he gets moving again as soon as he feels able. Hoof boots will be one of the most important investments you’ll make in your horses recovery from laminitis, as movement is crucial to healing.

A good option are the Easycare RX Therapy boots. The Scootboot is also another wxcellent option, the breakover on these boots can be modifies and they also have better airflow than many boots.

Image from - https://content.scootboots.com/blogs/blog/early-signs-of-laminitis-and-effective-treatment-scoot-boots

As well as the boots, it will be necessary to use foam pads under the hoof inside the boot. Easycare sell these or you can make your own using anti-fatigue matting from a hardware or rubber store. Consider using marine carpet and anti thrush powder next to the sole and frog, see next section for details.

If you can’t get hold of boots, or while you’re waiting for them to arrive, you can make your own boots.

 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN FOAM HOOF BOOTS

Use at least 12 mm of foam matting, you may need two layers, with a layer of marine carpet directly next to the sole and frog. The marine carpet breathes a little and stops the hoof from getting smelly and sweating. You can also apply an anti thrush powder or nappy rash powder to the bottom of the hoof before applying pads or boots. This helps to stop thrush from taking hold. NT Dry is very good or Tinaderm spray or Curash from the chemist. 
 

You will need:
•    Foam anti-fatigue matting
•    Marine carpet (without rubber backing, so it can breath)
•    Thick texta
•    Good scissors
•    Cloth tape - you can use duct tape but cloth is easier to tear
•    Anti thrush powder 

 You can get these items from Bunnings and the powder from the chemist.
 

It’s a good idea to remove the boot every day or so to reapply the anti-thrush powder and to change the foam pads. The foam tends to compress pretty quickly but you can reuse the marine carpet many times. If you take care when removing, you should also be able to reuse the home made ‘boot’ a few times.

 

 

Boots in the Long Term

As your horse becomes more comfortable and progresses through rehabilitation, you may want to move from bulky therapy boots into a more streamlined hoof boot suitable for turnout, hand walking and eventually ridden work.

There are now many excellent hoof boots available, and there isn't one boot that's best for every horse. The right choice depends on the shape of the hoof, the stage of rehabilitation, the terrain, how much protection the horse requires and what you plan to do with them.

The most important thing to remember is that the boot doesn't fix the hoof — the trim does. Correct, frequent realigning trims remain the foundation of laminitis rehabilitation. Boots then provide protection and comfort while allowing the hoof to continue being regularly assessed and trimmed. This is one reason removable boots can be particularly useful during rehabilitation.

Once the horse is ready to return to movement, a well-fitting hoof boot can provide protection on harder or uneven surfaces while the new hoof grows down. Pads can also be used inside some boots where additional cushioning or support is required. The boot should fit securely without rubbing, twisting or restricting the hoof, and the horse's comfort and movement should always guide your choice.

Your Hoof Care Professional should be able to help you choose the right boot and measure up.

 

Hoof Boots available in Australia

Current examples commonly available to Australian horse owners – useful once a recovering horse is ready for protected movement, hand walking or ridden work.

The boot does not fix the hoof – the trim does. During laminitis rehabilitation, the best boot is the one that fits the horse’s current hoof shape, provides the protection and cushioning needed, and suits the intended work. Hoof shape can change during recovery, so re-measuring and professional fitting are worthwhile.

Scootboot Classic

Lightweight, open-profile riding boot with excellent drainage and ventilation. Scoot describes it as suitable for riding, transition and rehabilitation. Available in Australia with guided sizing.

Good for: trail riding, everyday riding and many horses transitioning back to work.

au.scootboots.com

 

EasyCare Easyboot Glove Soft

A close-fitting, low-profile performance boot designed to fit like a second skin. It is available through Australian EasyCare stockists. Accurate sizing is particularly important with this model.

Good for: a well-maintained hoof where a close, streamlined fit is wanted for exercise.

EasyCare stockists including Equecare Downunder / Barefoot Blacksmith

 

Renegade Classic

A high-performance boot with a pivoting heel captivator. Renegades remain available in Australia through HorseFX and are still widely used, particularly for trail and endurance-style work.

Good for: correctly shaped, regularly trimmed hooves and more demanding ridden use.

www.horsefx.com.au

 

Flex Hoof Boot

A lightweight, flexible boot available in regular and wide shapes. Australian retailers also offer optional pads, which may provide extra cushioning for sensitive hooves or horses progressing through laminitis rehabilitation.

Good for: riding, turnout and horses needing a flexible boot with optional padding.

farriershop.com.au and other Australian Flex retailers

 

Cavallo Trek

A simple, adjustable boot that is currently stocked by Australian retailers. Available in regular and slim shapes, making it useful for a range of hoof proportions.

Good for: owners wanting an easy-to-use boot for trail riding, general protection and rehabilitation.

farriershop.com.au / Greg Grant Saddlery

 

Important: Long-term boots should only be used once the horse is ready for movement. Do not force exercise because a horse appears more comfortable in boots. Correct trimming, hoof stability and the horse’s comfort should guide progression.

Product ranges change, so check current sizing and availability before purchase.