New to Boots?
Here is everything you need to know to be sure you buy the correct boot for your horse. Many horses that were shod for a long time previously to going into boots have hoof deformation (distortion of the hoof capsule). Its important to match your horse's sole shape to the boot shape that works best for you. That way you and your horse will both enjoy your hoof care choice.
Fit is everything - firstly have a good look at your horse's sole shape after a fresh trim.
The saying that best describes hoof boot success is "fit, fit, fit". We believe the biggest determining factor in hoof boot success is indeed fit. That said, how do you know if a boot will fit?
1. Use the EasyCare measuring and sizing instructions for that boot style to determine boot size. Do your measurements correspond to the size charts? If your measurements are similar to the size charts, your chances of a snug fit are good. If your measurements do not correspond (foot is wider than long, length and width measurements fit into different sizes), chances are you will not have a snug fit and EasyCare hoof boots are not right for your horse.
2. Before a boot is tightened the boot should be snug. If you lift the leg and hold the fetlock you should not be able to turn or twist the boot withyour other hand.
3. After tightening, the boot should be a close fit around the hoof wall. Horse boots should not have large gaps or voids between the hoof wall and the boot. If you have then look at a different boot that might be similar to your horse's hoof capsule shape.
4. You know when running shoes or hiking boots fit your own feet. Use the same type of logic when selecting a hoof boot for your horse. EasyCare hoof boots are not recommended for some types and shapes of feet.
If your horse has one of these conditions your horse is probably not a good candidate for hoof boots: Most of these can be remedied over time withe correct barefoot trimming. They are the result of hoof distortion due to shoeing and hoof imbalances.
1. A hoof with excessive flair.
2. A hoof that is wider than long. A very round hoof that has a length that equals the width is also hard to fit. Old Mac's Originals are the only boots in our line that fit a hoof that is wider than long.
3. A hoof with long heels (high in the heels) or one who is extremely low in the heels.
4. A hoof that is clubbed or irregular in shape due to injury, scarring, etc. Club footed horses will also have upper shoulder musculature assymetry which causes saddle fit issues too.
5. If you have doubts about sizing or fit, please call us and let us help you.
What can you do if your horse does not fit well in the current.
1. Have a hoof care professional trim your horses feet and follow their recommendations for care. Many feet improve and change under regular trimming performed by a good hoof care professional. Flares, quarter cracks, under run heels can all be improved, and often eliminated, with correct barefoot trimming.
2. EasyCare is looking at adding a "Wide" version of many of our popular designs. The wide version will be perfect for round feet.
How to Measure for Boots
1. After a fresh trim, measure the width of the hoof across the bottom at the widest point.
2. Measure the length of the hoof from the toe to the buttress line of the heel. The buttress line is the farthest weight bearing point of the heel where the hoof wall ends. Do not include the heel bulbs in the measurement.
3. Compare your measurement with the appropriate size chart. Please note that each boot style has its own unique size chart.
4. Ideally, the length and width measurement will fit into the same size. If the length and width measurements indicate different sizes, select the larger size. If the width and length measurements are different by more than one size, your selected boot style is not recommended.* Be sure to check your measurements against an alternative boot in the EasyCare line—another style may accommodate your horse's hoof shape better.
*Note: If you are fitting an Easyboot Glue-On or Glove, width and length must fall into the same size category.
How Far?
On what type of surface? How much traction do you need?
Different boot styles have different fastening systems.
Some are very simple but the boot shell has to be very tight fitting to work well. Others are designed to suit horses who don't have perfect hoof form so the fastening systems have to allow for a wide variation in hoof capsule size and be able to draw in the top of the boots. Keep you hoof shape in mind. Fitting becomes easier with practice and is more about technique than strength.
How to Choose a Boot Style
People's shoes come in a multitude of varieties for different uses. Hoof boots are no exception. Generally, EasyCare boots fit into four categories:
1. Therapy boots:
2. Short distance/trail boots.
3. Long distance boots.
4. Multi-day boots.
Lucky for us some boots fit into more than one category so we have a wide range of choices available.
Therapy boots
»» EasySoaker: Best for soaking, poulticing and keeping bandages clean and dry. Waterproof.
»» Easyboot Rx: A light weight therapy boot for horses with hoof maladies,those recovering from surgery, or horses who stand on hard surfaces for long periods.
»» Easyboot: Great for drying out abscesses and medicating the bottom of the foot.
Short-distance / Trail boots (less than 25 miles per day) (The number one factor in boot success is FIT.
Boas, Old Mac's Originals, Old Mac's G-2s and the Easyboot line all have different sizing. Choose the bootthat fits most closely to your horse's dimensions.)
»» Easyboot Glove: A slim, form-fitting boot that is easy to apply.
»» Boa Boot: Full coverage boot with an easy on and off dial system. Perfect for the casual rider. Not recommended for deep mud or sand.
»» Old Mac's Original: Made for horses with very short, wide feet. Hook and loop system makes them easy to apply. Great long-lasting tread and excellent traction.
»» Old Mac's G-2: Similar to originals but made for horses with more elongated feet. Our most popular trail boot.»» Easyboot Edge: Designed as a distance boot, but easy to apply and great for short rides, too. A semi-aggressive tread and padded interior make thisboot tough and comfortable.
Note: Any long distance boot can be used for short distances as well.
Long-distance/endurance and high performance competition boots:
»» Easyboot Glove: A slim, form-fitting boot that is easy to apply. No adjustments.
»» Easyboot Edge: Numerous micro adjustments and a smooth interior for aclose fit. Aggressive tread.
»» Easyboot Epic: Our most popular long-distance boot. Versatile tread.
»» Easyboot Bare: Choose this boot if you are an experienced boot user and don't want to tinker with adjustments.
»» Easyboot Glue-Ons (see below) Multi-day boots
»» Easyboot Glue-On: Although trickier to apply, these boots are perfect for pack trips, multi-day rides and any situation where you need a hoof boot for speed or for longer than a day.
»» Easyboot with EasyFoam: When mixed and poured into an Easyboot,EasyFoam sets up as a flexible liner and keeps your boots on for days. Hoof protection in case of a lost shoe
»» Easyboot Epic: Easier to get on than the Easyboot and the gaiter helps keep the boot on if they don't fit perfect. Boot of choice for a spare. Easyboots have inside cleats, Epics do not. Boots specifically designed for snow/mud (sold individually)
»» Easyboot Grip: Very aggressive tread. Boot of choice, unless you areplanning to use studs. Studs fit into all of our boots except the Soaker.
Driving:
A variety of boots have been used for this purpose. The big determining factor here will be FIT. Boas and Old Mac's are used for short distances, Epic and Bares for longer distances.
Jumping/Hunting/Eventing:
Old Mac's are used for short distances, Epics and Bares are popular for longer distances. Glue-Ons may also be used. Check the fit.
Barrel racing, other western events:
Epics and Old Mac's are the most popular for these events. The new Easyboot Edge and Glue-Ons are also possibilities. Gaited Horses, Donkeys, and MulesSee website: easycareinc.com.
Snr. Sgt. Glenn Potter of the Western Australian Mounted Police Unit reports that they are extremely happy that they chose to make the move out of shoes. Sgt. Potter says now the horses in his unit are correctly barefoot trimmed they no longer suffer lameness and musculo-skeletal issues. They are happier in their attitude to their work, more sure footed and totally confident on any surface and that fact alone is great as it makes a dangerous job much safer for his officers and other officers they patrol with, as they can now quickly enter areas that used to be out of bounds for shod horses.
Mike Ware, Manager of Easycare Down Under takes his mare out for a spin in the new Easycare Gloves. Mike who is also an Equine Podiotherapist says that he feels that this is THE boot that will change the face of hoof care in Australia.